An elderly woman strolled into a posh bridal boutique in London. The shop assistant, Oliver, prided himself on his taste for the finer things and often let his snobbish side show.
One quiet afternoon, an older lady named Margaret wandered in. The place was dead that dayjust Oliver and his coworker, Emily, holding down the fort.
Margaret wasnt the boutiques usual clientele. Her coat was well-worn, her hair simply stylednothing flashy or designer. But Margaret had never been one for keeping up with trends. She believed true beauty came from within and had always lived modestly, working as a schoolteacher. Still, for her upcoming summer wedding, shed decided to splurge.
As she entered, Oliver barely glanced up, wrinkling his nose before going back to scrolling on his phone.
Blimey, looks like someone took a wrong turn on their way to the charity shop, he muttered to Emily. Honestly, that outfitwhat a state.
Thats out of order, Oliver, Emily shot back. Shes a customer, same as anyone. Help herIve got to fetch the new stock.
Oliver rolled his eyes, still glued to his screen. Margaret walked over with a kind smile, but he didnt bother looking up.
Excuse me, young man, could you assist me? she asked politely.
What dyou want? he snapped, still tapping away.
Theres no call for that, Margaret said gently. Id like to look at wedding dresses. Im getting married this
Listen, love, he cut in with a sigh, lets not waste time. That coat tells me everythingyoure not exactly rolling in it, are you? Theres a second-hand place down the road. Try there.
Oh? You can tell all that from a glance, can you? Margaret replied, her voice steady but disappointed.
Dont take it to heart, Oliver said dismissively. Just saving us both the hassle.
Well, Margaret said coolly, if you wont respect me as a customer, at least show some decency to your elders.
Yeah, whatever, he muttered, still barely paying attention.
Just then, a glamorous young woman swept indesigner handbag, perfect hair, the works. Oliver sprang up, flashing his smarmiest grin.
Hello, gorgeous! What can we do for you today? he gushed.
Emily returned with the stock just in time to see Margarets resigned expression. She set the boxes down and hurried over.
Hello there! Have you been seen to yet? Emily asked warmly.
No, your colleague seems to think Im not worth his time, Margaret said, nodding toward Oliver, who was now fawning over the new arrival.
Ignore him, Emily said. Now, what are you after?
Im getting married this summer, Margaret said, brightening. And Id like something special.
Brilliant! Summer weddings are lovely. Lets find you the perfect dress, Emily said, leading her to the racks.
Meanwhile, the influencer had tried on half a dozen gowns, snapping selfies in each before tossing them aside.
Erm, excuse me, Oliver said through gritted teeth. Youve tried on nearly every dress here. Which one are you buying?
Oh, Im not buying anything, she said breezily, adjusting her phone for another pic.
You what!? Oliver spluttered.
Relax, babe, she laughed. Just needed some content for the gram.
Youre joking, he said, gobsmacked.
Ta-ra! she trilled, handing him the last dress and flouncing out.
Fuming, Oliver turnedand froze. At the till, Margaret was pulling out a bulging envelope of cash. She paid for the most extravagant dress in full and handed Emily a £4,000 tip.
Erm thats quite the tip, madam, Oliver stammered.
Madam? A minute ago, I was love, wasnt I? Margaret said dryly.
Ithat was justI didnt realize
Realize what? Margaret cut in. That Im not some penniless old woman? You know what they say about judging a book by its cover.
Olivers face burned. Margaret turned to Emily with a warm smile.
Thank you, Emily. Youve been wonderful. See you at the wedding?
Absolutely, Margaret. Wouldnt miss it, Emily said, beaming.
As Margaret left, Oliver stood there, slack-jawed.
I donthowwhat just happened?
Emily chuckled. Margarets a retired headmistress. Shes marrying a wealthy businessman she met while volunteering at a hospital. Turns out he proposed with a ring worth more than your car.
Oliver was utterly mortified. Emily patted his shoulder.
Take it as a lesson, mate. Maybe dont be such a snob next time.
That summer, Emily toasted Margaret and her new husband at their wedding. It was a proper fairy-tale affair.
Moral of the story? Dont judge by appearances. Olivers snooty attitude cost him big-time. If hed just treated Margaret with basic decency, he mightve been sipping champagne at the reception instead of eating humble pie.
Manners cost nothing, but rudeness? That can cost you plenty.
