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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/VaporMouth on 2025-12-03 11:14:26+00:00.
This happened a few years back but I still can’t think about it without laughing or cringing.
So for reference, I worked in a convenience store. I was the sole employee there working from 6AM until near midnight, 7 days a week. As you can imagine… I was pretty tired. I hope this small backstory helps you better understand the story that follows.
One day on the job I had been racing around as usual, and I was exhausted, honestly working so hard for so many hours it was hard not to feel unappreciated. Especially when many customers (understandably) just wanted to zip in and out, I often didn’t even get a response to a “How are you doing today?” or a “Have a nice day!”
So there I am, stocking the fridge up, when a customer calls me over to the till. I run over to check him out and, as always, try to be as pleasant as possible. He pays for his things and makes to leave for the door, but stops and turns around, one arm extended, hand open.
My poor sleep deprived brain goes “Oh my, he sees how hard I’m working. He wants to congratulate me on my efforts. What’s a lovely man!” As my brain slugs through this insane thought process I extend my open hand to meet his in a well-deserved, crisp high-five.
I swear to God it felt like one of those comedy shows where a record scratch happens and everyone freezes. His eyes go wide and he legit stops in confusion, open hand still extended, for a good second.
My brain goes into overdrive trying to figure out why he looks so shocked and confused… until I see him continue moving forward to… grab a straw for the drink he just bought.
I was mortified, mumbled my way through a second “Thank you, have a nice day” and then prayed a hole would open up and swallow me.
For the remaining time I worked there I made sure to never assume a customer was just randomly going for a high-five, especially since the straws were placed right on the counter next to me at high-five height.
TL;DR - I was super tired at work, when a customer reached to grab a straw I accidentally forced him to high-five me.