Almost a year ago, I witnessed something I’ve never actually seen before. While shopping in Barnes & Noble during the beginning of the pandemic, the man in front of me yawned quite loudly, while not wearing a mask.
The lady working the register rudely suggested to the man that he cover his mouth next time he needed to yawn. She explained that by yawning he was “spewing” germs all over the store.
This employee was not wearing a mask herself and had no gloves on. The man was clearly taken back by this and perhaps even a little offended. His response was “excuse me?”
I already had a good idea at this point that neither one was going to back down. I had a feeling the confrontation was going to escalate soon and I was right.
She again repeated that by yawning he was spewing germs all over the counter, which was not something he should be doing during these times. To this, the man made an over exaggerated yawn for a solid five to ten seconds.
The woman back away faster than what I thought was possible, and practically ran from behind the register. The man stood there waiting for her to return.
A manager came (without the cashier) and told the man he needed to leave immediately or he was calling the police. The manager and him argued back and forth for a few minutes before he ended up leaving. He gave the books he was carrying to the manager before saying “I’m not sure you want these, I may have yawned on them.” This comment actually made me laugh.
I can see how both sides would be upset. On one side, this was during the start of a pandemic and the man probably should have covered his mouth when yawning. This should be expected even if there was no pandemic.
On the other side, the cashier could have asked the man much more politely to please cover his mouth, instead of telling him he was “spewing” everywhere.
Both sides believed they were in the right. Both sides felt as though they needed to stand up for themselves. Everyone who reads this story will have their own belief on who was in the right and who was not.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
