Yesterday, a radio talk show host tapped into one of my pet peeves. He mentioned going to various stores, and when he couldn't find certain items, clerks at each store responded, "Have you checked online?" Understandably, he fought the urge to tell each clerk that he'd bothered to get in the car and drive to the store, so he hoped he could find the items he wanted there.
"Stop trying to get me to leave," he wanted to tell them.
On a related note...
...Several years ago, as a grocery store clerk started ringing up my items, she said, "You know, if you're in a hurry, you can use our self checkout."
I thought but didn't say, "Have I said I was in a hurry or acted impatient? Is ringing up groceries a service you still offer? Yes? That's what I'm choosing during this visit, then."
