Really?!

More and more, I find myself thinking, "Really?" when anyone does something idiotic. A fellow driver, a coworker, a waiter. Of course, a simple "Really?" expresses so much in so few words, it's not hard to understand why it's become so popular. And it's kind of a satisfying way to express frustration without resorting to profanity.

The other day, I went into Starbucks and waited in line while the woman in front of me tried to decide what to order with her free birthday drink coupon. Then she had another coupon for a free sweet treat, and wanted to know what each and every treat in the dessert case was. Having made her decision and proffered her coupons, the employee discovered the woman's treat coupon was expired. Then her purchase exhausted the amount left on her Starbucks card and she had to come up with the balance of the charge in cash. While I was waiting, five more customers had come in, and looking back, I saw the line snaked around toward the door.

Finally I ordered and paid for my drink, and I stood by the service counter, waiting. And waiting. The woman ahead of me had taken her drinks (did I forget to mention she also ordered a treat and drink for an elderly house-bound friend?), and the barrista was blending a Frappucino for the next customer instead of finishing up my iced latte. It was then that without conscious thought, an audible "Really?!" slipped out.

I kind of wonder whether "really?" is too much a part of my mental vocabulary if it can slip out without thought, because I really didn't mean to be rude. I know those Starbucks employees were only doing what they've been trained to do. And as I said, I suppose it's better than swearing, but I can see I'll have to censor myself a little better and stop thinking aloud. It seems that many of the people around us are rude and thoughtless these days, and I'm sure I don't need to add to the problem. Sheesh!