Originally Posted by CarlTheWebmaster
So I say, "excuse me, but the trash can is right over there.". He gives me a nasty sort of look, but picks up the trash. A woman standing nearby actually thanked me!
So my question:
H
1. Hostile act by me?
2. Too much time on my hands?
3. Useful pointer for him?
4. 2 and 3
Thoughts?
I think you handled this nicely. Your statement was polite and informative, the best way to get results. Not everyone will be as cooperative and some are downright hostile when reminded of their slovenly ways.
I used to work with a guy who was much less subtle. Whenever he saw someone littering, he would point at them and yell loudly - "LITTERBUG!".
It was very funny and frequently embarrasing to those he singled out. However, it usually worked. Most of the time they would pick up what they had "dropped" and deposit it where is belonged. He was a rather large fellow who looked like a bouncer, so he rarely had anyone attempt to intimidate him.