I noticed nobody talks during checkout anymore

It used to be normal to say a few words to the cashier, but now everyone just stares at the card reader. I tried saying "how's your day going" at the grocery store last week and the kid looked at me like I was speaking another language. People keep their headphones in and don't even look up. Has anyone else had people act weird when you try to have a basic conversation at the register?

3 comments

3 Comments

phoenix3311mo ago

Nah, people still talk at checkout. You just caught an awkward kid.

williamhill18d ago

Phoenix is right that it depends on the person but I'd say more often than not, it's the job itself that zaps the life out of them. Working checkout all day (especially at a busy Target or pharmacy) is exhausting with people running their cards and barking orders nonstop. Give that awkward kid a few years of that and they'll probably be the one turning away mid-sentence too, you know? It's like a slow drain on your social battery that never really refills.

elizabeth9001mo ago

@phoenix331 is lucky they live where people still chat. I had a cashier at Target literally turn away from me mid-sentence to swipe at their phone. Last month at the pharmacy, I asked the girl behind the counter if she had a busy afternoon and she just blinked at me for a solid five seconds before saying "I guess." Not even a real answer. Makes me feel like I'm bothering them just by existing.