Bob... Hope you're well my friend....
Saw your comment at the bottom of your post regarding written use and abuse of English... My sentiments exactly... But...
Grumpy Old Men... Now where do I start ?
Well, here we go... Just why do they say 'Would you like any help with packing that ?'
No... I damn well don't... (I know and those at Donington will know I am capable of loosing both the power of coherent speech and unaided movement perfectly well on my own...) but when I'm in the supermarket in a shirt and tie, brandishing my wallet having purchased... well... I won't run through the contents of my SSM basket last night as it was probably of no great interest... but do I genuinely look as though I am incapable of packing a dozen items into a couple of bags ?
If I look so helpless and need of assistance are you going to call a spotty youth to then take my wallet, remove the card, allow me to give the pin code, punch it in, take the reciept, take me and and my two plastic bags to the booth where I can get a Lottery ticket, then pick my numbers for me (or advise a Lucky Dip... who knows...?) walk or carry me to my car, take my keys from my pocket, unlock it, place the bags on the back seat, sit me in it, start it, drive the 1 mile to my house... shall I stop ?
My point... Can't these people be encouraged to use some judgement and common sense in to whom and when they offer their 'help' ?
My father and step mother (both senior in years and who would benefit from some sensibly considered and delivered help and assistance throughout their 'customer visit'... from entering to leaving, not just packing their bl00dy bags...) would appreciate it...
Don't they recognize someone who wants to get in, get out and get home and not have to listen to some deeply unheartfelt 'must say to the customer phrase' from some sullen looking individual... particularly at the end of a cr4p day...
Have a nice day... ? Grrrrr