That was actually part of our training back when I was a customer service rep, listening sympathetically. Because sometimes that's all you can do and sometimes that's all the customer really wants you to do. I've found it useful to keep in mind in a variety of situations.
It definitely goes a long way! Make me feel like we're both dealing with a shitty system, not like you are the face of the shitty system.
I have been applying Tituss Burgess to my crappy mood. I might have to escalate to Parks & Rec clips.
Good plan.
Start with Cones of Dunshire
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When I learned to play Settlers of Catan, the whole Cones of Dunshire bit was retroactively EVEN FUNNIER.
Oh, and Ron Swanson taking phone calls...
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"I love Food And Stuff. It's where I buy all of my food. And most of my stuff."
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And pretty much any scene from the Model U.N. episode.
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"I call noodles long-ass rice."
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"You don't deserve the Internet."
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Oh whew. The person wrote back and has no intention of teaching the line dance to the racist song--she said she already raised the concern on the teacher email list and also she doesn't actually know how to do that dance. Yay!