A Discount For Prince Charming
Now, as I’ve mentioned before, I am somewhat outgoing and like to have fun. When I am at a restaurant, grocery store, retail location or just about anywhere, I occasionally strike up a conversation with people. I often ask for a discount because I am so charming, and mostly I get a smile and an “unfortunately I can’t” from some of the older women who I have conversed with. Sometimes it actually works, and I get a little “Charming” discount. The younger girls don’t understand and just look at me dumbly most of the time.
I find this fun, and I hope the recipients of my “charm” feel the same. Not so my wife.
Barbara finds my behavior annoying and does not want me to engage in such pursuits.
I try (not usually successfully) to curb my enthusiasm while Barbara is around in order to comply with her wishes. I do feel no such impetus to “behave” when she is not present.
The other day I had just finished a round of golf with a friend of mine. He suggested we go for BBQ for lunch and suggested a nearby location. I agreed and we rode off to have lunch.
We got there and had to wait in line to order.
When it was my turn, I approached a pretty, young girl at the register.
“Hello Tiffany,” I said in a cheery voice. “How are you today?” I smiled at her.
“Fine,” she replied, “but my name is not Tiffany, it is Jasmine.”
“Jasmine?” I inquired. “But it says Tiffany on this name plate in front of the register.”
“I know, I haven’t changed it to my own name yet. What would you like?” she replied.
“I’m not sure, what is good here, it is my first time here.”
We had a nice conversation and she made some recommendations for me. I eventually ordered a Brisket Sandwich, coleslaw and a coke. I estimated the bill at $10.
There was no one behind me so we talked some more, just kibitzing a little, while she started to ring up my order.
“i’m going to give you a discount,” she said.
“Really? Great! Is it because I’m so charming?” I asked winsomely with a big smile.
“Well, partly,” she replied. “That, and you were so friendly and happy you made me feel good. I’m not going to charge you for the sandwich or the coleslaw. Your bill is $2.”
“Oh wow” was all I could think of. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, $2 please.”
I got out a $5 and handed it to her. She tried to give me $3 back but I told her to keep the change.
She gave me my receipt and told me to wait for my order at the end of the counter. I gave her my warmest smile and she smiled back as I moved down the counter.
I have no idea why that happened, I think it was my “charming personality” that brightened a hectic day for her; and this was her way of showing her appreciation.
However, I prefer to think the “real” reason is: “I’ve still got it”.
