A sampling of the manager's comments to me at my job interview yesterday that made my ego balloon up rather nicely:
-she couldn't believe that I was 25 years old
-she would of guessed that I was only around 17 years old (her assistant manager said a similar comment like that to me earlier in the week)
-she couldn't believe that I had a child already
-she deeply respected my decision to stay home with my child for the first few years of his life
-she agreed with me that being able to stay home with your child for an extended length of time is definately a wonderful and cherished luxury
-she couldn't believe and was amazed that I am originally from New York. I asked her why she thought this. She explained that I was just so "bubbly and friendly" -- that my personality was "very refreshing". Yes, those were her exact words. Needless to say, I was beaming/blushing profusely and said a thank-you through a giggle and a smile. I obviously did not take her comment as an offensive remark. I personally think that some New Yorkers are rather distant, apathetic, unfriendly, and sometimes downright mean. Not all New Yorkers, of course. I guess it is a stereotype others place upon us who were born and bred here. Hell, it is a stereotype WE, as New Yorkers, probably place on ourselves at one time or another. But one thing for sure -- many New York drivers are ruthless and just plain incompetent. I needed to say that. That is one of the reasons behind my driving phobia. Still, I think New York is still quite fabulous -- the museums, the night life, the intensity, the diversity, the fact that there is ALWAYS an adventure to experience.
She told me that she would contact me by Monday to let me know if I got the job. If I don't get the job, I will be very tempted to ask her the reasoning behind her decision. It's a regular retail type of job but I will nonetheless be crushed if I don't get it, simply for the fact that I have always wanted to work there and they can afford me a good measure of schedule flexibility. Add to that the reality that I just don't take rejection very well. I'll let you know the name of this place IF I get the position. However, I can't help but say that you could probably guess where I have always wanted to work.