Do you treat retail clerks like human beings?

One of the most awkward, self-conscious incidents in my life occurred when I was shopping with a group. One of my companions blithely continued browsing long after the store was locked.

I have done assembly-line work, junkyard work and freelance writing. But I have also punched enough cash-register keys and worked around enough clerks and sales associates to know that the retail life isn’t all ski...