well I dont understand it

I live in the south of England home of the surly assistants and what do I get

they all seem to suddenly develope verbal diarrhoea when I approach the till as I get their life story, their cousins aunties dogs life story and the friend of a friends life story , their hopes and ambitions and sob stories

usually people behind go away and join another queue!!


when I asked my colleagues why this happens to me I was told I have a kind face

anyone want to swap

I always say 'good thanks, you?'

Is it just me........but my natural response to "Hi, how are you?" Is to say "fine thanks" not "good thanks".
"I'm good" is being used more frequently in the English Vocab but to me it sounds strange.

I guess when in Rome.......but in my case...when in Australia......

Its ok, I've not lost the plot. I understand there are greater things in life to worry about..............but just one of those thoughts when I saw this thread!!

Like you say 'when in Rome' do what the Aussies do

But what are they thinking?

Oh no, I've got the nutter again. I'll try and down play it.

"oh thats nice!"

Don't make eye contact. Please don't make eye contact.

I remember a french friend telling me once about her confusion when she offered english people a drink or snack and they said "no thanks I'm fine". She thought 'but I didn't ask if you were ok, I offered you a drink!'
I first heard the 'I'm great' response in Canada, where I thought it was very strange to come out with such a statement about yourself!! That must have been about ten years ago. Now I routinely hear "I'm excellent, how are you?" and don't bat an eyelid!

Not that you are trying to stereotype the people who are doing a good and thankless job of course.

In answer to the question, what makes the askee of the question different to anyone else in the world who may or may not ask you a question. Simply answer them politely, what benefit would be gained from ignoring them, as if the shopper was somehow more important than the person serving you. Just be polite, I am sure that is all they ask.

I always reply "good thanks"

Sometimes when I know the person asking is false I'm tempted to say "my Budgie died today" and burst into tears.
I did it once in the Uk and we both ended up howling with laughter.

One thing that does bug me though is when in a conversation someone keeps saying "yep,yep,yep," It seems to be an Aussie thing.


In general the manners are better here in shops.

I knew people in London who did this, it is annoying! They don't even realise they're doing it though - once you start pointing it out they're often quite embarrassed at how stupid they sound! (Don't worry I wasn't obnoxious to strangers on this point, just mocked people who were already mates!)

Yep,yep,yep

"Hi how are you?"

"That will be $5.50 please, have a good day" fake smile.


What is his all about?