The Importance Of Being Polite

Two weeks ago, I bought a pair of Prada pumps from Saks Fifth Avenue. My little resistance to killer heels didn't withstand the 30% discount Saks was offering. (And really, my legs are endlessly long when I wear them!) I just have to have them. But the thing with Saks is that they almost always offer further discount after a few weeks. Last year, they had 80% *gasp!* off Coach and Prada, just to name a few, at the end of the sale period. So I was in a dilemma between getting my must-have heels now but risk further discount, or waiting for further reduction but risk not having my size anymore. I asked the sales associate if the Prada pumps would go on further discount. She informed me that this is the latest Spring/Summer 2009 collection so there won't be further discount. Only those from older seasons will go on further reduction. She promised.

So I caved in. Bought the black-cap pink pumps home and was as joyful as Christmas morning feels like. I have been gleefully trotting around my room in my new Prada every other day, hoping for a special occasion to wear them out.

Earlier this week, a girlfriend informed me that my new Prada is on 50% at Saks! Imagine the horror. *cue horror music* And anger. And feeling of being cheated. I decided I need to fix things.

Well, all my friends assumed I was gonna go down to Saks and make a scene. You know, the usual screaming at the poor cheating sales associate, threatening to make her lose her job-which-cost-as-much-as-my-Prada, name-calling, boycotting Saks (yeah right!) and the likes.

Remember this: You attract more bees with honey than vinegar.

So I decided to phone the sales associate and explain how I felt. She remembered me and the "promise" she gave. I was very polite and most of all non-accusatory so I guess she felt even worse about the wrong information she gave me. She said she would ask her store manager if there was anything she could do about it. I told her I appreciated her help and will wait for her reply.

So today, she phoned back as agreed. The store manager unfortunately but not surprisingly refused her request to refund me the difference in discount - even though it was misinformation on their part. The sale associate was genuinely apologetic and suggested various alternatives. After a few more phone calls and resolutions, (just between you and me *whisper*) she told me she can ask for store credit in that amount and asked if I would like that. Hell, yes! Will go to Saks tomorrow to collect my already-paid-for-by-myself gift card.

The way the world works is with politeness. Not rudeness. There is little use in being loud or demanding. You may get your way for a while, but never the real deal. I manage a vast (you cannot even imagine) array of customers everyday in my job. I have seen it all. I can't emphasize enough the importance of being polite. So trust me on this.

More shopping at Saks tomorrow. Hello, Sale!

Mediterranean

I'm sitting here on the balcony of my room in a five-star hotel, on a beautiful Mediterranean island in the perfect heat of summer time. The air is salty but cool. Each breath I take is light and refreshing. The warm sunshine beats down on my fresh golden tan skin. I look out at the cloudless sky, the blue and white stripes sundecks spotting all the balconies, I hear the carefree laughter of the kids playing in the swimming pool nearby, and the giggles of the teenagers too. I feel a strange sense tranquillity overruns me.

I know days like that will never come again.

Close my eyes, take a deep breath of the sea air. Forgetting yesterday's mistakes and tomorrow's worries, summer times and the privilege of youth never felt better than now. Now. This special moment. I. Am. Satisfied.

And for all the grumbles I have about this business of travelling alone, I feel like now is Paradise. This is what it means to be living! This will never come again! This life, this perfect moment of serenity in this splendid little Mediterranean island. This moment will last forever in my mind. For the rest of my life.

That's the lure of the Mediterranean. Summer days never end. Youth lasts forever.