Why do people suddenly lose intelligence when they take the role of customer or pedestrian?

Question

When I used to do shop work, I would regularly be asked some of the dumbest questions imaginable.

Top of the list of most often asked was (disregarding the staff uniform and badge, AND the fact that I was loading shelves) 'Do you work here?'

Now that I have had a change of occupation and become a cycle courier, I find that pedestrians are not at all happy with the fact that they have plenty of space on the sidewalk, they'd rather cross the road in heavy moving traffic and generally try to get themselves or someone else killed.

I had one guy today sprinting up the cycle lane. I kindly pointed out to him that his bike seemed to be invisible, and there was a rather large bus up his @ss.

Shortly afterwards, someone else stepped out in front of me. He'd obviously mistaken the red man (stop) with the green man (go). Judging by the look he gave me when I missed him by inches, that was MY fault somehow.

Does anyone else notice this phenomenon?

E C: I know that feeling all too well. Once you're driving (or riding), you may as well be invisible.

lebowski: but not very many customers come out of the stockroom with big crates of stock and start putting it out, do they?

Another good one was asking where the newspapers were kept, whilst leaning on the newspaper stand.

Answer 1

I have come to the conclusion that it's National Idiot Day twice a week. It's NEVER on the SAME day yet ALL the iditots around KNOW when it is and they ALL take to the roads and sidewalks ALL at exactly the same time. Coincidentally it's the same day that ALL the old timer drivers have to take their sightseeing drives onto highways with 65 MPH speed limits but they can ONLY drive 35 MPH. They LOVE to make their turns onto the highway right in front of the car with the WORST brakes and sit in the intersection deciding if they REALLY wanted to turn onto the highway afterall.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 2

As a customer: I have been looking for something 10 to 15 minutes, see an employee and so ask, and it is right behind me. So, once I see the person, I turn around and look, before I ask.
As a pedestrian: I step into the crosswalk when the sign says walk, only to have to jump back, because a car is turning towards me. So, I don't trust the sign, but watch the traffic.
It isn't that we are stupid, but rather that we are in a vulnerable situation and need a little help and understanding. C. :)!!

Answer 3

yes I totally agree and in fact I also think that the average person loses 35 to forty iq points when they are in control of a motor vehicle as well. it is amazing really it even works on my friends and relatives. im not sure of the effect that being a pedestrian has.

well its either that or my other theory, which is that my subconscious mind emits a brainwashing signal that reduces all other human life within my near vicinity into a semi-moronic state. that would explain a lot, from your question it sounds like you probably must have it as well.

Answer 4

Same rule applies to bus drivers. I was going down the cycle lane in east london and the bus driver decides to let his passengers off 20yrds before the bus stop. Goes without say, I had no warning, nowhere to go, so ploughed into a lady getting off the front of the bus.

Answer 5

They also become very rude and ignorant when they go to a petrol stations, I used to work in a very busy one with 18 pumps and trying to find out what pump they were on was like pulling teeth, It was 6 years of hell. One customer when asked which was her car said "the hire car" i replied sorry not being Mystic Meg could we narrow it down a little.

Answer 6

it is one of the great mysteries of life why people loose their minds when in certain situations, such as when they are behind the wheel or on a bike. Or when they are in an SUV and they think it is perfectly fine to double park on a narrow street so there might be about 12 inches for a person to try to squeeze their car through, and they just wave you through, like you could possibly get through without scratching all vehicles involved.

Why, people? WHY?????????

Answer 7

I understand your worried. She sounds astounding btw. i don't have self assurance in "diets." merely unfolded her foodstuff into smaller parts, that would desire to do the trick. end her ingesting and inspire her to do extra workout in case you may. i assume it particularly is as much as you. you will desire to be beside her although, and help her approximately her study and extra healthy existence-type. to be certain that her to do something approximately her weight she has to have a favorable physique of suggestions. and because she says she needs to alter her existence-type, all you will desire to do is inspire her extra. There are some living house workouts, which you will do particularly even even though it would not seem as though her style of element. Plus she desires time. She would desire to: -Do sit down-united statesapproximately 5-10 minutes an afternoon or extra if feasible. (it particularly is not frustrating) facilitates with the tummy. -Do some push-ups, she would desire to be taught a thank you to carry her very own weight -Skipping/ rope leaping- 5 minutes(or extra) an afternoon (particularly effectual) -you will desire to be her a CD this is a instruction manual to yoga or zumba or a dance of a few type. desire I helped x_x sturdy luck :)

Answer 8

"Do you work here" isnt really a dumb question. I have been approached by people in the past who presumed I worked in a shop because I had popped in during my lunch break, or after work still wearing my uniform. It's an easy enough mistake to make if you don't research the uniform of every store!

Answer 9

The other day I got to the train station at 8 in the morning to go to work and this little old lady comes up to me and asked "Is there a later train?".

Answer 10

We poor mortal humans are very vulnerable aren't we??? Next time you've got to deal with "Joe Public" try a smile of encouragement in his direction.......will increase his self-confidence and that in turn will dictate his behaviour pattern, which can only be an improvement!!!