I went to Staples today. I needed to replace something I’d foolishly thrown away. Don’t ask.
While waiting in line to check out I looked to my left and watched a salesperson speaking with a teenage girl and her father. They were at an end cap display for a laptop computers.
The father was shuffling his feet as if he was uncomfortable being where he was. Then he looked up, turned his head and gave the befuddled look. I don’t know how to explain the look except to say you’d know it if you saw it.
I feel bad for this guy. He knew nothing but was about to make an expensive decision. “Dude, unless you’re playing graphically driven games or doing heavyweight photo and video editing, they’re all fine.” I wanted to say that. I didn’t.
On the other hand, his daughter was probably lobbying for the pretty laptop–whichever one that might be. My daughter was a teenager. I totally understand. All he knew was, no matter what the final decision he would be held responsible. There’s little upside being the dad in this situation.
From time-to-time we’re all babes in the woods. Stores know that, don’t they?