<p>“However, I’m very put off by the gas station “employee” who come over to personally greet you, shake hands and then stays and chats while you are filling up your car. I have an SUV and filling it up can take several minutes while I am stuck making conversation with this man.”</p>
<p>This is too much. This isn’t a brief chat. It’s uncomfortable to the point that the OP felt she needed to ask people if this is the Costco norm. For most of us, our Costco gas stations are so packed that the attendant wouldn’t have time to do this. But if this is a place she’s going to a couple of times a week, that isn’t well used…she’s going to be seeing this guy all the time. He might start getting even more familiar. I would find a way to say hello, and go about my business.</p>
<p>If you were to read the thread I started about dog attacks, you’d find there are more effective ways that pepper spray to do the job. Some suggested defensive moves were to pick them up by their legs, swing the leash in a circular motiion, or sticking your finger up it’s rear end. Perhaps swinging the leash (or in this case the purse) in a circular motion will be the one that doesn’t get one sued, or arrested.</p>
<p>Whoa-- typo in my “on the scene” reporting earlier!! Attendant was a he, not a **she <a href=“should%20it%20matter”>/b</a>. The person he was chatting with left their drivers door open with key in the ignition, so I could not hear the content of the chat over the incessant “ding ding ding” of the notification of the key in ignition indicator. That said, some woman did come over to the attendant and ask directions, which he seemed to provide. After the chat ended he wandered into the parking lot (away from those of us pumping gas) to yawn and pace. He then did chat briefly with some other Costco employee who was either arriving to start his work day or on a smoke break.</p>
<p>OK- signing off as Costco gas attendant reporter. For now.</p>
<p>I’m hoping for a more interesting report from the Costco gas attendant reporter next time. How about a little hyperbole and creative storytelling?</p>
<p>BW- I don’t mind chatting with someone on a plane, unless I really want to get some reading or work done or something. But if I do want to end it, to get some shut-eye or something, I say something like “its been delightful chatting- I am going to take a nap for a bit and perhaps we can continue later” (or something like that)</p>
<p>Perhaps we could ask your aunt’s cousin’s coworker’s friend’s classmate from high school’s sister’s college roommate to tell us their experience filling up at a Costco. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the support busdriver! I’m happy to report that today when I stopped they were very busy! He just came over and asked “how are you doing, today?”. I kind of kept my back to him and said “fine, thanks!” and he trotted over to the next person.</p>
<p>The day that it really annoyed me I was the only customer and he stood with me the entire time asking about my plans for the day etc. Yes, Hunt, I know it’s overly sensitive, but I don’t want to discuss my plans for ANY day with some random guy at a gas station. I was really just curious if this was something Costco dictated. We have a grocery store where the clerks are forced to attempt to thank everyone by name which results in some bizarre name-mangling. I thought maybe this ‘keep the customer company while he/she pumps gas’ was company mandated and if so, I was going to let them know I didn’t like it. </p>
<p>Hunt, I’m with you. Obviously the fellow is trying to be welcoming and friendly at the same time. Might be the best job he’s ever had and just wants to make the best of it. I’m just a bit put back people would find this behavior intrusive. Maybe its time to find a different gas station because I have a sense this guy will not be going anywhere soon being that many people by nature IMO enjoy a “Cliff Clavin” chat once in awhile.</p>
<p>I’d be annoyed by this too. But I’m surprised that an introvert hadn’t developed the ability to be brusque, to convey through clipped answers and tone that they aren’t interested. It takes two to talk, after all.</p>
<p>“I’m just a bit put back people would find this behavior intrusive.”</p>
<p>It’s classic extrovert vs introvert, that’s all. She wants to pump her gas and think her own thoughts, not give up that quiet time for an interaction she isn’t interested in. Small talk drains introverts in a way extroverts don’t get. </p>
<p>The thing is - either the guy doesn’t have the ability to pick up on a nonverbal “no” or she isn’t giving it.</p>