4 /5 Lawrence Sweet: This review is written in response to the one-star review posted exactly one year ago. First, I want to mention that this thrift store is a wonderful place to discover old electronic parts for console games and an interesting spot to rummage overall. The people I’ve encountered there have always been kind and unassuming.
The one-star review person from exactly one year ago seemed to believe that her perception—possibly a misinterpretation—of one employee’s behavior justified threatening that person’s livelihood. She even recommended that the employee be removed. I believe that if someone upsets you, the best approach is to speak with them directly and try to help them understand how you feel. It’s normal to be irritated by others, but when people don’t act the way we want or expect, it doesn’t give us the right to jeopardize their income or spread negative judgments publicly on a high-visibility platform like Google.
We can never fully know what someone—customer or employee—is going through on any given day. Sometimes simply asking, “Hey, are you okay?” can open a door to understanding. Many of us carry burdens and sorrows while trying to meet our daily obligations, such as going to work. Everyone’s “best” looks different depending on what they’re facing, and even sincere effort can be misunderstood. Expressions, gestures, or habits that our friends understand might look unusual to strangers.
If I think someone seems rude, I often take it as a sign that it might not be the right moment to connect with them. Perhaps they need space for their own thoughts. Employees aren’t servants; they’re fellow humans working within systems and constraints—just like most of us who are not executives with the privilege to “win the game” through wealth, influence, or access. We should support one another. When I’m having a bad day, I need your grace just as much as on my good days. If I try to go through life assuming I can “win” alone, I’m lost—whether someone looks cheerful or grumpy.
If the one-star review person from exactly one year ago has had a change of heart, she can update her review. If she does, I’ll gladly remove this response and simply feel grateful that someone reconsidered an action many of us have taken at one time or another—and later wished we could undo. Maybe this message was meant for her.
Best wishes.
