Duh, Stupid

I got attitude from the Shell cashier this morning. Not. in. the. mood. I needed a $10 bill, so I stopped to grab a Diet Dr. Pepper and break a twenty. I was trying my best not to be grumpy—difficult for me at 8:15 in the morning—and I handed over my cash and politely asked for a $10 bill.

I didn't say, "May I have 10 dollars. I specifically used the term 'bill.' " Okay?

The cashier looked at my money, and then looked up and stared at me blankly. And then she kept staring.

Finally, she said, like I was the biggest idiot in the world, "I mean, you're getting $10 back."

Fool, I know that. I wanted to point out that I had a college education and that she was a gas station cashier. But that's mean. And, with the state of the economy, there's a good chance I may be a college-educated gas station attendant in a few months myself. Besides, maybe she does have higher education. Who am I to judge?

So, instead, I just gritted my teeth, smiled tightly, and said, "Yes, of course. But I just want to make sure I get an actual $10 bill versus several fives and ones. Thanks."

Moron.