the belt buckle

 

yesterday was such a horribly long day, i didn't get to sit down and post this.

 

i want to say thank you to the lady with the big belt buckle.

 

a lady who came through yesterday almost at the end of the shift required additional screening. i briefly explained what needed to happen, asked my required questions and then asked if she was wearing a belt. she was in the line where i had *just* said that everyone needed to remove belts. she didn't. so i had extra procedures to follow. she took off her belt in that way, you know, when you are annoyed and that last belt loop hangs on to the belt and you end up jerking the belt out and it flies away from you? yeah. that. she was clearly pissed about something and then walked away without her belt. i tried to give it to her three times, while she walked away slamming things and throwing bins. i couldn't figure out what had happened. she snapped at me and basically said she would come back and get it when she was good and ready. i asked her if she was donating her belt to charity as she turned to walk away, then she stepped back and snatched from my hand. i automatically said, "enjoy your flight." which is what i say to EVERYone. "i will try, but after all this, but i don't think i can!!" she yelled. she was on the verge of tears.

 

i went over that scenario in my head over the next 15 minutes trying to figure out what i did wrong. i was really upset. my co-workers said, "just drop it. you will never see her again. you didn't do anything wrong. some people just arrive at the airport itching for a fight." 

 

out of the blue, she approached me about 20 minutes later. 

 

"i want to apologize. i am usually really composed, but i snapped when i couldn't figure out why you were singling me out as suspicious." 

 

i must have looked like a fool. my mouth dropped open and i couldn't speak..

 

"suspicious? i didn't single you out. your belt buckle was the problem....i did tell you it was the belt... and belt buckles will continue to be problems so long as they are outside of the xray." i explained in more detail what the problem was and then i said, "if you are ever confused or want more information, please... please ask questions. anyone can answer your questions and if you still aren't sure, just ask for a supervisor." she thanked me for being gracious and kind even after she was rude to me and it made me realize that i _hadn't_ done anything wrong after all.... i had done everything right. for a change.

 

but i am sure she won't write and tell anyone above my pay grade. *sigh*