Crystal H.
Yelp
You never forget what you wore the one and only time someone falsely calls you pregnant.
Me, in a form fitted, double breasted sweater and jeans, had just arrived at a coffee shop and was waiting to use the washroom before meeting my friend for tea. Two women stood in front of me, also in line.
A male staff member emerges from the "Employees Only" door to inform us that the washroom is reserved for paying customers only. If we want to use the washroom, you'll have to buy something first.
The women ahead of me leave. (I'm not sure, maybe they obeyed orders and went to buy something). I say to him, "I'm meeting a friend here for coffee and just want to use the washroom first. Is that okay?"
He responds, "Some people butt the line, and don't buy anything. But I guess you can, since you're pregnant."
I had no words. Just the hot face flush that accompanies pure embarrassment. I am not pregnant. I feel like I've just been fat shamed, at a time when I've never been more fit in my life. To add insult to injury, it happened in tandem with being treated like a second class citizen, like some kind of criminal "stealing" bathroom time.
All I could utter was "Wow." Did he just say that?
Not knowing what to do, I walked outside and texted my friend. She was already sitting inside, so I had to walk back in. Telling her what had just happened, she looked just as stunned. I said that we needed to leave. There's no way I could stay, nor would I ever support a place that treated it's customers, paid or not, with such arrogance, rudeness and crass.
The employee had the nerve to wave as we left. A condescending, queen like wave that made my blood boil.
I am beyond furious.
I suggested this as the meeting because I had been here previously. The lighting was excellent, the mugs and tea cups enveloped in gold, nice touch. All in, a conducive setting for a work meeting. Sure, you were crusty and unpleasant, and borderline rude the first time I came here a couple of Sunday's ago, but it wasn't personal. This experience, on the other hand, not only guaranteed that I will never set foot into your coffee shop again, but that I will share my story, with everyone I can. Shame on you.