Later, I found myself waiting at the counter of the local Papa Johns. When I arrived, there was only one working register and it was occupied by a belabored worker who was on the phone with another customer. The side of the conversation was something like, "Yes. Your order is ready and just about to be sent out on delivery. ... You didn't want bacon on it? ... You clicked the wrong button on your online order? ... Well, I would have to void the order and start another one. ... Yes. We would have to make new pizzas. ... About 45 minutes. ... So, which toppings would you like?" [Reads back the order and gives the prices and expected delivery time again.] "Which discount? ... We don't have that discount available on our side. ... That one is for carry out only. ... That was for only two item mediums. ... Yes. ... I can change your order."
The employee kept a pleasant tone the entire time. Another employee (a delivery driver) apologized that they were limited to the one register while he was working on the backlog of other things that was going on while the front counter employee was tied up. Once the phone order was placed, the employee at the counter expressed his gratitude for my patience. I replied, "My patience? I was deeply impressed by how calmly you carried out that entire conversation without once using the phrase 'absolute idiot.'"
I don't know why my patience was being tested today, but it did help to keep reminding myself that these were First World problems.