This happens in checkout stands too. I am (for the most part) very non-confrontational with other people, but I do seethe about it quite a bit. The ATM and checkout stands where people are doing the hovering thing I will usually say something polite like "Would you mind? This is private?" or something.

If I am really having a bitchy day or I am tired I can get pretty rude. So it goes something like "Excuse me, where's the fucking fire?" I've done that a couple of times, but I have regretted not handling it better.

This is pretty typical for public lines in general. Another annoying one is the yappy girls you are standing in line next to with that oh so exciting conversation and weird tics - who start flipping their hair into your mouth or start elbowing or bumping you - completely oblivious to your presence.

Posted by: Feebie at August 31, 2010 6:18 AM

Not bad behavior, but interesting.

In the '80s I headed down to the ATM to fund a night out. The ATM was in a separate room next to the bank entrance; I don't remember if the door to the room had the ATM-card lock.

Anyway, about 5 of us strangers had entered the room to await our turn. A short 40ish woman was at the ATM. The machine had that thing you look into that swivels up and down so that only the customer can see the transaction data. It was in the up position, and she was standing on her tiptoes to see into it. She seemed a little confused about what buttons to push.

I quietly stepped forward and pushed the swivel-thing down so she could comfortably stand and use the machine. She turned around and gave me a nervous smile and thanked me in a foreign accent. She then continued working on her transaction. At last a number of bills emerged from the slot.

The woman nervously grabbed her receipt and bolted for the door. As I was next, I stepped to the machine and saw the cash, 3 $100 bills, hanging from the slot. I turned around, barked "Hey!" at the fleeing woman, and pointed to her cash. With a sheepish but grateful look, she grabbed it then fled the crowded room.

Posted by: DaveG at September 2, 2010 2:42 PM