Originally Posted by
ldsant
Perhaps she works because her husband had a stroke, her finances were wiped out during the last recession or by Bernie Madoff, her children lost their jobs and have moved back in with her and her husband, she is sick, etc. You don't know what her life is like or what pain she deals with every day. Why make such judgments?

True to a point. I'm sure there are some people who when confronted with bad service think Well, it's because their house burned down last week so some such. However, if you take this train of thought to its logical station, then why should anyone ever complain about bad customer service?
If you're in a customer service position, isn't it your job to provide the best service everyday? The old adage of leaving your problems at the door seems apt, no?
It's ironic considering the OP posted about a rude matron. Hey, maybe her dog died the day before.