Part of the deaf/HoH community. Got talked to about not doing 10-4
I don't hear well. Never have. Because of this, my social skills are a bit low.
I've had people make fun of me or treat me different my whole life, just for trying to converse with them.
"Don't interrupt me." "We weren't talking to you." "Why are you talking to us?" I've heard these and more throughout my life. So, even if someone is clearly looking at me, I assume they don't actually want to talk to me. Because, like the examples above, when I've noticed cues that people are trying to talk to me, I'd get those replies.
I've never been popular, never been well-liked. So, I don't do things many people do: Say hi to most people, smile at them, etc. Based on my experiences, I'm more introverted and shy, and assume nobody wants to hear me (except friends, family, etc)
My ETL was watching me stock my area today (creepy, BTW lol), and saw a mom walk by me with her little kid. The mom and toddler were talking to each other and laughing as they went by me.
I was working, just trying to stock the shelves. My ETL comes up to me, and goes, "Did you say hi to that guest?"
I said, "No. They were talking to each other. I didn't want to interrupt them."
ETL said, "I understand. But, a simple hi is fine."
We both reiterated our points to one another. "Didn't want to interrupt them." "A simple hi is good."
I don't think my ETL really understands. They're popular, well-liked, are of hearing, etc. I'm the opposite. A hi FROM THEM may have been fine, but not from me.
It would've been an interruption or awkward or something. From my ETL, the opposite.
This ETL has micromanaged my work in the past. I'm afraid they'll keep harassing me about 10-4.
I don't think Target understands that 10-4 is not that simple for some of us, especially introverts who are part of the deaf community like myself.
Just wanted to share my experience today because it kinda bummed me out.
Thanks for reading