Note: I've saved this post in my draft folder for a while now...it wasn't properly finished yet, but I thought I'd just finish this right now and publish it.
There are advantages to having a unique face (read: the only Asian working in the store) in my line of work. For example, if I have done a little extra something for a customer, he or she will probably remember it better than if the deed is done by someone else. However, last year there was a surprising incident that happened while I was on my summer holiday.
Last year I earned 3 weeks of summer holiday, which was divided into 2 parts. After I got back from my first week of summer holiday, my manager told me that the other day a grandma came back and claimed that she had returned something to me, but I hadn't given her the money.
My manager checked my work schedule and found out that I wasn't working that day and then she found the receipt in the office (because everybody who returned things to get their money back had to sign a receipt) and she showed it to the grandma and asked, "Is this your signature?"
She said yes.
Problem solved...but I couldn't help thinking that because of my face and someone else's fading memory, I can also be accused of doing something or not doing something. Good thing there are receipts!!!
You see, many people living here are already pensioners, so I don't blame the old lady for her fading memories. But it was the first time that I felt the disadvantage of having a unique face: if I do make mistakes, it's easy for people to remember me! Fortunately speaking up till now people have been forgiving. THANK GOD for forgiving people!!!
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It's funny how your mind can play tricks as well. Have you ever been pretty sure of something and then realised you're wrong? It seems your brain remembered it one way, but alas that was not true. And I'm not even a pensioner! Glad there was the receipt.
ReplyDeleteLove the smiley animals.
It's true that being different-looking can be both a blessing and a curse. When I lived in a small town in Japan as an exchange student, my blonde hair was such a novelty that I stood out instantly wherever I went, whether I wanted to or not. This meant that people knew who I was and looked out for me, but also that my behaviour was under intense scrutiny at all times. To be honest, I much prefer living here in Finland, where I look like a local and am completely unmemorable to most strangers! Hugs to you, Amel. I know how you feel.
ReplyDeleteYou are uniquely beautiful. You look different than the average resident of Sodankylä, but I'm willing to bet that you stand out for your warmth and beauty as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the misunderstanding worked out without any trouble for you. A paper trail does come in handy! :)
@The World According to Me: Yeah, that's true about mixing things up. It happens to everybody he he...
ReplyDelete@Katriina: Ah, I can well imagine how much you stood out there 'coz it'll happen to you, too, if you had lived in Bandung (my hometown) he he...Actually, over here in Lapland there are many more people with dark hair compared to the south he he...
@Elena: THANK YOU for your kind words, Elena. Yeah, I'm SO glad the misunderstanding was solved that well. :-D