Sorry, honey

I work in a department that takes a very specific type of caller. Basically, if you are not a hotel employee there is nothing I can do for you, period. We have a very high call volume and so if you get my department by mistake, you could be waiting for a while just to have me transfer you somewhere else. To be fair, that sucks. It would annoy the crap out of me, and so I always tell these callers the department I’m sending them to and offer callback numbers so it doesn’t happen again. Most people are rightfully annoyed but understanding, not this asshole.

Me: (Company), how can I help you?

Caller: (goes on rambling speech about something, making it very clear it is not a call I can take)

Me: Sir, I am so sorry to inturrupt you, but I know your time is valuable and based on what you’ve already told me I cannot assist you.

He starts whistling to get my attention and to stop me from talking, which I do not because fuck you I am not a dog. Whistling at me to get my attention is one of my MAJOR pet peeves.

Me: (continuing anyway) I also know from what you’ve told me I need to get you to (department), I can transfer you right now. If you’d like, I can give you a number to call them at directly if you need to call back later or get disconnected.

C: Yeah, honey, that’s not going to work for me. I’ve been on hold for 12 minutes and 15 seconds, you’re going to help me.

The way he said honey was SO condescending. Ladies, you know what I mean, the type of tone where he may has well have just flat out called me a bitch. The type of tone that imples HE is in charge and I should just shut up and listen. Maybe I’m reading into it too much but it just hit my ear wrong.

Me: Unfortunately, sir, there is nothing I can do for you. I will have to transfer you.

C: Unfortunately, I have been waiting for TWELVE MINUTES AND FIFTEEN SECONDS!!

Repeat my phrasing in a slightly shittier tone? Cute.

Me: Sorry, honey, you’ll have to wait for a few more minutes. transfer

Best part? That other department is across the hall from me, so I heard when they finally got to his call… 15 minutes later.