It's funny, y'know. In the allegedly fast-paced world of today, a lot of people leave their manners at home when they go out, but can be reminded of them by example. In the hardware store I work at, a lot of people show up just rushed and annoyed that I can't offer them instant gratification by first, instantly understanding what they're talking about ("it's this, y'know, the thing that goes in the other thing, the metal thing") and then pulling exactly what they need out of my pocket. But I just try to be patient and inquisitive, figure out what they're doing and what they need, and help them find it. Even if we can't find it, by the time we're done looking they almost always have turned polite and thank me for trying.

Of course, it could be a Canadian thing. (Every time I go around a corner with a loaded stock cart and accidentally run into an unwary customer from behind, they always say "I'm sorry".)

Willie-O