coles, page-15

I agree with you all. It's not hard to be polite. It takes more energy to be rude. Why would you want to be rude to someone? Did the 'world' really treat you that bad that everyone now has to pay!
You're correct roaminoz, facial expressions. It's great to see a persons smile and eyes light up when they realise you are genuinely interested in having a friendly chat. And yes, a friendly comment towards their hair or smile goes a long way. I had one the other day that looked like Kate Ritchie. I had to ask the obvious and she said she has been told it before, with a beautiful blush behind it. As you are aware, the compliment department is 'an art', you don't want to come across as some sleaze bag.
Trees, it is a peeve off when holding a door isn't acknowledged, I just say under my breath loud enough to be heard, 'screw you also', with a more savoury word or two. I don't enjoy doing that but blantant rudeness derserves rudeness back.
Shopping aisle etiquette is the best. Make a 'wrong' move and you can see the other person's mind working over time, but the moment you acknowledge with an apology they feel all fuzzy and say it's ok or that it's their fault and you reply back that it's your fault, all in good fun :))
Moby, you're correct that if a customer shows respect towards an employee then that employee will remember and reciprocate the gesture back with better service. I sometimes seek out a particular employee, even forgoing my turn until I can see them being my 'server'. Or go to a check out with higher volume because I enjoy the operator.