Do you socialize with people that you do business with?

[seadoug]

When my father was retired and his 70's, I was amazed by the number of people at the bank, pharmacy, etc. that knew him by name. Once, we were going through the drive-through at the bank. He was in the passenger seat and they asked "how are you Mr. ******?" I said, fine and the teller said "I was talking to your father".

I thought it was amusing at the time, but now I find myself slipping into that role. At Whole Foods, there is a woman that sees me frequently and says "Hi friend". At the grocery store, there is a woman that says "How are you, my friend?" At the dry cleaners, they know me and we frequently talk about what we've been up to. I have a 70 year-old acquaintance at my gym who always gives me a fist bump and asks how I am.

I'm actually grateful for the social interaction now that I'm retired. Do any of you have similar interactions in your everyday lives?

 

[Pepper]

Sometimes, maybe even most times, the only social interaction I get is with shopkeepers.

When I had my own store, several customers became our good friends and we would see each other outside of business hours for fun get-togethers. I had great customers.

 

[Lewkat]

That depends on how you define socializing. Certainly, there are those who recognize me if I frequent a business, and we greet each other by name. However, we don't get together for dinners, evenings out, or the like. But, yes I am friendly with those I do business with.

 

[Michael Z]

I am friends with the guy that put my new roof on and siding on one side of my home. It was quite the blessing in that he allowed me to work with him and cut labor costs. But at the same time, I paid him $4000 for a bit over 2 weeks of work. He quoted me $1000 for the siding but it took much longer than anticipated so I offered to pay him near twice the quote even though he was willing to take the original quote. If not for this guy, the roof would have cost twice as much and no contractor would only side one side of a home, the side requiring scaffolding.

It’s crazy what contractors get. Just got a $6300 quote for installation of two basement wall support braces. I can (and will) put these in myself for under $1000!

 

[oldaunt]

Since I have been doing business in the same small town for almost 40 years, its pretty much required, or people would think me rude.

 

[hearlady]

When I was working I didn't socialize with clients outside of work. However, I was friends with them at work as many were long time clients.
If I see one of them in the store I always stop and talk. I've had many people while out and about tell my husband how much they appreciated me and how much I helped them or a parent. It's nice.
I once had a colleague who told me she would hide and avoid clients when out. That's not me.

 

[officerripley]

I'm actually grateful for the social interaction now that I'm retired. Do any of you have similar interactions in your everyday lives?

Sometimes, maybe even most times, the only social interaction I get is with shopkeepers.

That's something I miss due to shopping so much online. I find I have to remind myself not to hover over my computer tech's shoulder when he's here working; I'm sure I bug him by talking too much.