Yes...I did Google real estate agents in South Adelaide to see if there was such a thing as a house with four bedrooms for sale for less than 250.000. Not that there is a remote chance of being offered a loan on my salary.
Why did I do it?
Just in case, you know... I mean you never know.. we might win the lottery and be able to afford a deposit.
Actually, I called the agent because I have nothing else to do with my time other than dream and complain.
So, what happened?
I had to answer some 'online questions' and.. Lo and behold! the heavens open and the next thing I know I get inundated with E-mails and phone calls.
'Emma' just won't leave me alone.
She calls me in the middle of class.
The same the next day, and the next , and the next.
On each call it is..
"This is Emma" with that grating and over- familiar tone Australians use when introducing themselves to a complete stranger (something they have been trained to do formally by the company , and now has become part of Australian culture. They think this is being 'assertive', and therefore a good thing.).
"I am calling regarding your enquiry about real estate..."
It is the same tone bossy women habitually use in Australia to "command" complete strangers to shut up and listen to them, whatever may be the context. the tone is intimidating and she thinks using this tone means she will not be interrupted...
It still takes me by complete surprise, even after twenty years. you would think I might be used to it by now.
"Wait a minute Emma," I say, "I hope you are not going to ask me a lot of personal questions."
She now takes offence, which was her original intention of course. This gives her the moral high ground and the right to intimidate me further.
"No, I'm not interested in your personal life at all ...she goes on... but I will need to know some of your financial details if you want to get a loan" she says
"Ok Emma" I say. "No thanks".
I end the call.
Why can't I ask the questions first?
Why does the real estate agent, and every other Tom, Dick and Harry, think they have the right to ask me a string of questions before I am allowed to ask them one?
I'll tell you why. Because they don't want to answer any of my questions. They want to find out if I have any money before I waste their time talking to me.
Hotels, Doctors, Dental, school or real estate receptionists, whoever it may be -they are all the same- they want to use my time without me wasting theirs.
They want to use me.
They are all rude.
So, Emma!
Although you may not be aware of yourself (Don't take it personally) I have an urgent message for you and the thousands of others out there who use their 'assertive' manner to try and intimidate innocent punters like myslef on the telephone:
Get STUFFED!!!
Retirement, Kota Kinabalu
This is where I would like to be after I have robbed the bank
Winners and Losers
Debate 2008 Winners and Losers Editor at left.
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