As we are all aware, nearly every store, shop or restaurant we go into is shorthanded. The long lines and low stock issues will surely get the better of all of us before the end of the year. Remember that the cashiers or waitstaff are most likely getting late breaks or having to forego them altogether. Some are staying hours longer to take care of the customers, out of commitment to where they work and to not leave their coworkers to go it alone. While places are trying to hire more staff they certainly don’t wish to lose the dedicated employees they have because of customer abuse. As you use services, go into stores and restaurants, please take a breath and remember we are all human. Kindness and patience will get us all through.

Elizabeth Herriman

Middlebury