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Working in retail, restaurants, hospitality, and the like is always… definitely… something.

Besides the long work hours, the tedious duties, and the very often inadequate pay, there’s all these clients to deal with, and not all of them are pleasant and civilized. That’s not say they’re the polar opposite, necessarily, but they are surely far far away from what makes a 5-star client because of their aggression or awkwardness or just flat-out bizarreness.

Image credits: TheBlackNerd

Whatever the case may be, there are loads of stories of less-than-favorable clients from people working in these industries, and one former Starbucks barista has sparked a bit of a story-fest with his tweet recalling a customer interaction that still haunts him to this day.

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Space Whale
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read the last bit first and I am 𝓼𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓵𝔂 disappointed

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Writer, reviewer, and host of the @LowStakesShow, Terence Wiggins, also known as The Black Nerd, went to Twitter to share an interaction with a customer he won’t forget anytime soon because of how haunting it was.

Back when he was working at Starbucks, one day he was cleaning the restrooms and knocked on the women’s restroom door to check if anyone was inside. Lo and behold, there was, but instead of casually saying it’s occupied or something among those lines, he got a very angry “WHO IS IT?”

He also asked folks who worked similar jobs to share their haunting conversations with clients. And boy, did Twitter deliver!

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Nathaniel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not that I am defending this man, but it is some kind of stupid to bring your wife and your mistress to the same places. Keep everything separate.

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“I usually check my Facebook Memories first thing in the morning and I'm constantly reminded of the years I spent working at Starbucks,” Terence explained the origins of his tweet in an interview with Bored Panda. “I don't remember which memory made me ask the question but I'm sure it was something bad.”

Needless to say, when the tweet started racking up likes left and right, Terence was very surprised when the counter nearly reached 10,000 for both quoted tweets and likes. While he does have a modest follower base, the tweet went beyond the usual metric.

“It just exploded and I started seeing replies and quote-tweets from celebrities,” elaborated Terence.

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Grace Walker
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely. I have Epilepsy, and I would punch someone if I found out if they said something like this while I was having an episode

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E B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's when you tell her the store is closed due to a medical emergency.

seanette avatar
Seanette Blaylock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"In your case, as long as it takes you to go somewhere else. You know that sign about reserving the right to refuse service? I'm refusing service to you. GTFO my store."

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Mushroomlover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work at a store and have for several years so the owner allows me and one other employee who’s been here a long time too use our discretion but we are allowed to kick people out. I would’ve kicked him/her out and told them to never come back. I’ve only ever had to kick 2 people out of my store and both times it was men who inappropriately touched me, unwarranted just because they were ‘drunk.’

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Lucky2BAlive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohhhh my answer to this would have contained so much profanity it would STILL be hanging over the restaurant. Hope your colleague was okay.

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Trisha Howson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would told her I would not give her any service she can f*****g leave

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Denise Hansen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How rude & immature was that customer!! A nurse had a seizure in the OR while I was having a baby. Medical attention was diverted momentarily and me and my baby were and are fine!

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Ashley Sigurdson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once when I was a supervisor at Tim Hortons one of my employees had a seizure in the doorway. Customers were trying to step over her to go get coffee when there was another door on the other side of the building. It was ridiculous.

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Emma Brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think she's incredibly lucky there wasn't a good few of us stood within earshot....my son also has epilepsy amd no matter how often it happens, its still scary to see. Some people really are just a waste of a good human liver.

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Bayou Billy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know exactly how you feel. I know everyone talks about internet tough guys ... But there are also those of us who know the store employees won't rat... You just have to leave before they show and avoid going there for a bit(also pay in cash). Cops shrug their shoulders. They don't care when an ass gets a knuckle sandwich. Especially if you keep it to one or two and walk away. Clean record 😉👍

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Eliza May
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody needs a movie that bad. There really ARE humans who have every selfish bone in their body, so oblivious.

nothingfancy avatar
Nothing Fancy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welp...I'd have lost my job. I don't think they would consider, "F**k OFF!", to be good customer service.

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AzKhaleesi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had this been me the story would've ended "So I finished the call, and promptly walked over to the customer thanked her for "patiently waiting" and punched her in the face.... anyway that's how I got fired from Blockbuster, Anyway... my friend was fine and the lady got her nose taped when the EMTs got there."

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes it's very hard not to wish bad things on people because this one is testing me. I really hope that prick gets compassionate help if they ever need it and feel s**t for the way they acted in the past.

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Brian Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well sir, if you place your purchases on the counter - and get the hell out then you sir have been served!

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Shreeky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would had told her to shut the hell up and she has to wait until the ambulance gets here 1st that my coworkers life is more important right now and if she doesn't like it then get out of the store.

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Austin Hicks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's when you invoke your right to refuse service to any customer.

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Alana Voeks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I'd been a customer there at the time, I would have dragged that customer away and slapped some manners into them.

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L.a. Williams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right after I deal with this emergency. You can always go to fill in name.

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Samantha Leggio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would tell that woman to get out and ban her (doesn't mean much since Blockbusters don't exist anymore but you know what I mean). I would love it for her to explain to customer service airing out her "grievances", how she demanded service while my co-worker is laid out having a seizure. That woman was Karen-ing at a college level.

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Daniel LaDue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want to even think of the things that I would say in response. I'd be surprised if I didn't get fired.

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Chamber Laine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would've thrown them out & banned them from coming back. There's no excuse for that kind of ghastly behavior. Seizures are no joke &are terrifying.

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CL Rowan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To the entitled b***h at the counter,"When Hell freezes over, now F**K OFF!!

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Jane W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People live in their own tiny world and cannot often extend themselves to come out of it.

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Bettina Moore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not that unusual. I run an ER. Puerile see us taking an obvious emergency back (think amputation, gasping for air, or unconscious limp child in a frantic parent's arms) and then the triage nurse gets yelled at because "I was here for my wart first!"

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Nothanks L. Walk
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take her picture, write BANNED on it, and hang it at the cash register. Repeat as needed for every Karen you encounter. Oh, and throw that entitled b***h out on her a**e.

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Allison Hunter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have slapped the TASTE of those words out of her mouth.

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Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good thing ambulance on the way mam, just step up so I can whack your head with the phone.

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Kathy McMahon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have said "Galaxy Video is having a 'rent 1\get 2' right now. You don't want to miss that.

creeds00 avatar
creeds00
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At the call center I worked in we would help get the victim in a safe position, clear out the work pods around them by asking the techs and sales people to transfer their calls. Then, we would surround the area to give them privacy. We would clear the halls while the paramedics transported the patient. Due to my EMT training I was called several times for medical issues from heart attacks to cuts and burns. It was over 400 people working in a wide open space. And you know how call centers get paid by the minute from their clients. So, yes indeed that customer was way out of line.

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Sarah Mettler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I woulda smacked a b***h with the phone! What is wrong with people these days .?

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Bex
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of this: I was on my way to a shopping mall in the centrum of Gothenburg a sunny Saturday, when a very drunk (older man) fell forward and really hit the ground. Me and another woman rushed to him to help. A group of girls (late teens) passed by and screamed “why are you helping him? He’s just a f*****g drunk”. I got so pissed of, it felt like I was boiling.

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James Gilmartin
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My spouse has sever Epileptic seizures. Yeah i would have gone to jail. I would have KOd her entitled a**.

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Red
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Just as soon as this man is finished DYING, you'll get your damned movie"

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Nicole Gallant
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually had the exact same thing happen to me.Some people just suck at being humans

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Liane Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a server and we once had a lady pass away in the restrooms. EMS had the drink stations blocked, and we were all kinda standing still, more out of respect. The amount of people who complained about not being able to use the restroom or get a refill was disgraceful. It honestly made me mad.

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Brian Amerine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a d**k hopefully karma get his ass or someone he knows that's just f****d up to say the least

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Theresa Coviello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And thats when I say. As long as it takes you to get the f**k out of here and find somewhere else to eat fuckface..

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Sefra Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry we're permanently closed to assholes !! On another note sure miss blocker buster days

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Catherine Johnson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's f****d up. I worked for Blockbuster in Nashville Tennessee after hurricane Katrina.

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Erika
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely. I was delivering groceries for Whole Foods/Amazon in the mountains in the snow. I delivered to home and the guy ran after me as I was trying to get out of his driveway. He pushed a $30tip into my hand (on top of digital tip), so, awesome. I did almost fall off the mountain as I turned my car around. My next stop was 15 miles up a dirt road. It was too dangerous so I contacted Amazon to let them know I couldn't do it since I didn't have 4wd. I messaged the customer to ask about state and length of her driveway. She didn't bother to get back. I made executive decision. Half hour later, I was down the mountain to return her groceries to whole foods and the woman calls me raving. "Where are my groceries!?"I said I was already back in town and had almost fallen off the mountain and couldnt accommodate her tonight. She said, "You bring them back!" I said, "You are a terrible person and don't deserve your groceries." These calls are supposed recorded, but I did not get in trouble.

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Redwood Rebelgirl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have said "how much longer until you grow a conscience & a Soul?" followed by "GET TF OUT, NOW"! That's what that trifling dog water DESERVED to hear, anyway. .

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Alexander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As someone who just started having seizures I want to fight anyone who does stuff like that.

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Nicole Harnischfeger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People have to do better. I can’t believe so many people out there are this cruel. I’m so disappointed in half of humanity 😖

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Kim Nguyen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fainted at the register one night when I was working at Starbucks and was helping a customer at the time. The one I was helping started panicking screaming I had a stroke or something while my manger and coworkers rushed to pick me up. The women standing behind the first customer, annoyingly snaps at my manager saying she wanted a nonfat chai!!

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Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"When she either snaps out of it or she dies. Then I'll walk over her cooling cadaver and come take your order"

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S K.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is definitely not okay, it actually deserves punishment along the lines of severe painful torture

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Lynn Gable
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe perhaps as soon as there isn't a medical emergency, Karen. Sit down.

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Briana Landers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"When y o u start seizing and someone steps over you" not that id wish harm on anyone but dayum woman needs to walk in someone elses shoes

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SinéadQ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow!! she missed the "Be kind" part of the sticker message I guess.

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Dan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get a Blade dvd it's very sharp so you can stab that dummy

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TheMagness3000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh 911, btw can you send a unit for this customer too? Theeeenks

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M. Hampton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah, but what was your answer? Please deliver a burn

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PebbleBoy Gaming
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You worked at a blockbuster? Dang I'm surprised someone over 100 is on the internet.

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Stories from workers in retail, restaurants, and the like often circle around customers from hell as most of these places are very accessible to anyone and so the chances of running into a difficult clientele are high. But that’s not the only reason, as explained Terence:

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“I think there's a certain type of person who views customer service workers as less-than or someone that they can boss around without any consequences. It's really not most customers, 90% of customers are fine but there's a 10% that have a brain that's a jar full of angry bees and they have to let it out on someone who can't do anything about it.”

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El muerto
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

next time jesus comes around, he will turn chicken into cheese...and sprite to tequila

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As mentioned previously, Terence’s tweet inspired quite a lot of people to share their experiences.

These included everything from exposing mistresses to customers discussing wounds to elderly people shouting gun violence hypotheticals.

And then there was this 6-tweet story by a guy who used to work at a Taco Bell and had a client who was described as a satanic cowboy who took half his order before storming off, then returning after about 20 minutes, getting upset about his other half of the order, which he wrongly remembered, and then chanting in Spanish, while his bodyguard counter-chanted something as well. That one also received over 8,000 likes.

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Now, in some cases these difficult customers might just have interesting personality quirks or could just be tired, but in other cases they could also be inherently angry, sad or straight up weird if they act that way in public. So, we asked Terence what his take on this was, and he had this to say:

“I think it could be both. There's harmless people who have weird personality quirks or are tired or some such thing and they will definitely say something weird that'll stick with you. On the other hand, there are people who have some inherent anger or sadness that they've decided to take out on other people and that other person is usually an employee getting paid minimum wage and can't possibly fight back.”

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E B
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, corporate apparently has no idea what customers actually want.

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OK, PSA time.

“Employees are people. They have about as much power in the situation as you do and unless the employee is being an a-hole for no reason, just cool your jets about small things. Your food or drink will eventually get made, you'll eventually get that product you want, there's no such thing as the mythical ‘back room’ where we're just hiding products from customers,” said Terence.

If anything, be kind to your waiters, store clerks and everyone else who makes your life easier.

You can check out everything we talked about in context here, and you can also take a look at Terence’s socials like his Twitter account and his Low Stakes Show podcast as well as his Ko-Fi shop.

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Moezzzz
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, because everyone knows that gay equals pedophilia. (My eyes cannot roll far enough into my head for this train of reasoning....)

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Bedlamite
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in the hospital after appendix surgery, there was another woman in the same room, she was nice enough, but Sunday came around and a whole gaggle of Church ladies came to see her. I was trying (pretending) to sleep until one of them came over to me and laid hands on my head while praying. I'm non-religious, and don't have anything against people who are, but keep your bleeping hands off me. I felt so violated. That was over 25 years ago and I still get pissed when I think about it.

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Claire Stanfield
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a regular who would send back the first side of fries claiming they were 'greasy'. We prepared another side of fries exactly the same way, and they were fine. Every time.

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Francesca Annoni
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked for years in a shop... an Italian luxury underwear brand.. You don't know how many time we had to tell the customers you must try the bottom piece of underwear and swimwear OVER your own underwear... and sometime I found underwear stained..why try underwear if it's this time of the month? Without your underwear?? It was unbelievable ...and disgusting...

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