# 014

I will never, ever just walk off when any promoter approaches me. Having had the rather, ahem, interesting experience of actually being one for 5 very long days, I now know exactly how they feel.

Its not that they are asking every customer they approach to buy their goods. Oh no, not at all. But they are, after all human, and at the tender mercies of their bosses and promoting is a job they have to do. So, even if we shoppers have no intention at all to stop and listen to what they have to say, at least we can offer a smile and a polite 'no, thank you', no?

The worst kinds were those who just walked off as if I was totally invisible or talking to my shoe and those who deliberately turned away from me. Some were downright rude too! So much for warm and friendly Malaysians. How disheartening! There are only so many times a body can handle rejection, you know! And there are the wives/girlfriends who at once stop the husband/boyfriend just as he is about to reach for the wallet. Why, oh why are the ladies like this, I really have no idea. I for one, will not be like that next time. There's really something in the saying that you gotta put yourself in the other person's shoes and walk a mile in it. I walked in them for 5 days and gained a lot of insight along with sore feet.

Nevertheless, I had some very pleasant experiences. One young couple agreed to buy the product I was promoting just to 'tolong budak ini lah' (help the kid, lah). How sweet.. They certainly made my day. And several friends turned up and that was nice, because familiar faces were very, very welcome. And my very first customer gave me a 1 cent coin to keep as a token because I told him he was my first. I still have it. Some just helped out because they wanted to. Maybe they've gone through similar experiences as kids? I wouldn't know but I've definitely learnt quite a bit. About people, human nature and the power of a smile, even when saying no.

And now that its over, I can go back to being lazy, insouciant and absolutely care-free!