As I’ve mentioned before, I have worked in a grocery store for six years. Working in retail teaches you a lot about people, and unfortunately, most of it isn’t good. Customers don’t seem to realize (or care) that what they do is seriously annoying.

As a retail worker, I beg you to please adopt these ten behaviors so your cashier won’t hate you.

1. Thou shalt not pay for a costly purchase in only coins.

You say that it’ll empty your overstuffed coin purse. I say it's irritating having to count out $22.38 in varying amounts of quarters, dimes, and nickels as the line grows longer. Please go to your bank – or even the customer service desk – and exchange it for bills. It’ll make your transaction a lot faster and easier.

2. Thou shalt not blame the cashier when the computer price and shelf price don’t match.

Cashiers don’t set the prices, and they don’t put them in the system, either. So it’s not our fault when your can of soup does not reflect the price of the mix and match sale.

3. Thou shalt not crack unoriginal jokes known well to all cashiers.

“You’re checking my $100 bill? I just made it!” “It isn’t in the system? It must be free then!” Just stop. They’re not funny, unoriginal, and I’m tired of fake laughing.

4. Thou shalt leave the store before closing time.

If you come into a store late at night, it’s always polite to ask when the store closes or look at the posted hours. If it’s close to closing time and you plan on buying a lot, either get only the essentials or come back tomorrow. Nothing irritates the closing staff more than the customer that sticks around for 20 minutes after closing time.

5. Thou shalt not blame the cashier when your credit card declines.

It’s not the machine or the cashier. It’s you. If you “always have a problem with your card at this store,” then maybe that’s a sign that you need to make sure your finances are in order.

6. Thou shall show your cashier ID when you buy alcohol.

As much as you’d like to believe it, we’re not asking because we think you look young. It is the law, and it has been in many states since the early 2000’s. Instead of grumbling about how it is offensive or stupid, just show the cashier your ID. It will go much faster for both of us.

7. Thou shalt not be on your cell phone during the entire transaction.

Would you talk on your phone while your waitress is trying to take your order? No, because it is not only rude, but it’ll make the process longer. Why do you do it to your cashier?

8. Thou shall interact with your cashier.

Nothing brings on the awkwardness quite like when I ask a customer a question, even a simple “how are you,” and they don’t answer. If we’re asking you a question, it means that we would like to have an answer. Even if we’re trying to make a small talk, amuse us by responding. We’re paid to be friendly to you.

9. Thou shall retain control of your hyperactive children.

It is disruptive for both the employees and the other customers when your little terrors are running around the checkout area and picking up everything in sight. Please, for the sake of everyone, be a parent and reign your kiddos in. If you need any more of a reason, if you come in often enough with misbehaved children, the employees will remember you as the woman/man with the hooligan children and will avoid you while in the store. You do not want to be THAT customer.

10. Thou shall return an item to its original place if you decide you don’t want it.

We always teach our children to put their toys back in their spot. This same logic should be applied to items in your shopping cart. If it’s too far away or you don’t remember where it goes, then give it to an employee. It’s not fun finding a bag of frozen chicken patties on the shelf or a can of fruit in the freezer.