differences that you will never get used to (Birmingham, Madison: buy, incomes)

[dougb256]

Originally Posted by Mawoods

WELL -----------I MISSED the friendliness and talking by the cashiers when I lived way up north or upper midwest. You could go all afternoon doing errands and not one person would smile or say thank you. When we traveled south to Auburn to see our daughter, it would be a different world. By the time we got out of Walmart in Auburn stocking up on stuff for her, the little lady behind the cash register had smiled and made us feel welcomed and I knew her life and she could know mine.

... and if there is no one in line behind you, then that's fine. BTW, there is a big difference in a cashier smiling and saying "Thank you" vs catching up on all the stuff that has happened since you last saw each other. If there are other people waiting in line why not say "You know what, I'll give you a call later so we can chat longer."

Do you know anyone who likes to wait in line any longer than they have to? There's nothing that says you can't be friendly and expedient at the same time

[AnnieA]

Originally Posted by ionlife

I love the baggers and service PUBLIX provides. I've met the nicest retirees and young men/women. I have conversations with on the way to the car about their families, school, etc. This is the best part of living in the south: the friendly people and the service.

I help unload my car and off I go.

The only thing that drives me up a wall is all the people yip yacking people do on cell phones while they are being serviced by these wonderful people. It's rude and it diminishes their humanity. Plus, they miss out on actual human interaction where they might actually learn something interesting about another person.

we are soulmates....<s>

I dont let them take out my groceries because I drive a rolling junk pile and have to find places for everything. They are not too insistant about it in my area. It is just policy and it varies a little from store to store.

Publix frowns on tipping.

Welcome to the deep South. I love everything about it.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by friday13

That's why I bag my own groceries every time I have a chance (when a bagger serves 2 registers). Power of European habit, and I don't mind at all. Oh wait, am I supposed to wait for the guy until he's done at the other register and hold off my line?. I don't think I can do that, manners or not, store policy or what, I need to get in and out of any store quickly (especially the register wait line)

One European habit I shed:>) I try to do the house wife rat race Thursday or Friday bright and early. Not a soul in Fresh Market today, Publix was fairly empty. When I do not get in the way and all I have are a few items - yes in the bag they go.

[AnnieA]

Originally Posted by Mawoods

WELL -----------I MISSED the friendliness and talking by the cashiers when I lived way up north or upper midwest. You could go all afternoon doing errands and not one person would smile or say thank you. When we traveled south to Auburn to see our daughter, it would be a different world. By the time we got out of Walmart in Auburn stocking up on stuff for her, the little lady behind the cash register had smiled and made us feel welcomed and I knew her life and she could know mine. Sorry I love it and I will take that anyday over a frown and not even a look up when you give over your money.
And we moved to Wisconsin from north Atlanta which isn't real world anyway. We noticed all the clunkers up there and because of weather, they were rusted out. Never would have seen that in too rich for its own good north Atlanta.
I am uncomfortable with the confederate flag but I do understand that there are those that are not racist but love it for different reasons. However, knowing that it is offensive I think southerners are more and more getting away from it. But I don't want to just do away with everything that makes us unique. So for those of you who don't like it down here, well---- just kidding!! I like every region being a little different.

what a lovely post and worth repeating....<s>

eta: And, dougb, I agree with the premise of not holding up the line too long. I get very cranky and sometimes rude about it if it is just gabbing. (my bad)

[Mawoods]

Hey dougb, I agree about not wanting to hold up the line. I think one can be professional, friendly and keep the line moving.

Once when we visited Auburn during our daughter's college years we had an experience that was so southern I wanted to move back immediately. My husband and I were sitting in Burger King having coffee when the local sheriff came in. Of course the guys behind the counter knew him and he proceeded to say hello and smile at everyone sitting in the restaurant. Never had an experience like that where we lived at the time. I realize it isn't for everybody but if you grew up with it, it's home and feels good.

[tammie2]

I love the friendliness, really I do. The other night I went to Walmart at 3 AM and now I know the cashier's life story, I talked with her for over an hour. BUT I still wouldn't have wanted her to take my groceries to my car.

I am glad they offer that service, I took advantage of it a few times at HEB in TX when Quin was young. I had a 3 yr old and an infant with a heart monitor. The difference was they asked "do you need help to your car" and that was the end of it. I wish it was done in IL, my mom could use the help. There were a few people that would help my grandmother before she passed, but they wouldn't offer for anyone else(at least not most people).

It is probably just me, but I feel young and healthy and it would make me feel disrespectful to have the 70 year old taking my groceries out. With the younger people I feel like they should be helping someone who NEEDS the help. I can't tell you how many times I have helped struggling people in parking lots because such services weren't offered, so it is definitely a good service, just not for me...yet.

The good news is I believe they are giving up the fight at Publix, the more often I go the more they know me.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Mrs. Charles must be away for a few days!

She's spending some "quality time" with me

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by tammie2

The biggest one for me is the bagger at Publix that wants to(read INSISTS on) taking my groceries to the car.

What??? !!! ???? I've been shopping at Publix for one year since I've been here, two different ones at that, and NOBODY has offer to take my bags to my car!!! Can't they see they're dealing with a tired over-worked (though still handsome looking) man that can use a helping hand or two???

[friday13]

Originally Posted by HB2HSV

She's spending some "quality time" with me

I really hope you are best friends with Charles, and asked for permission before posting this
And also hope, he doesn't repond in kind.

[HB2HSV]

Originally Posted by friday13

I really hope you are best friends with Charles, and asked for permission before posting this
And also hope, he doesn't repond in kind.

I live dangerously. I order extra spicy on my wings and I swallow jalepeno without ice water.