This summer I've learned first-hand that working in a grocery store is a tough job. You're always working hard, but there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Sometimes customers and coworkers unintentionally (or intentionally) give you a difficult time and often make a hard day even more stressful. After working in the meat department for three months, I've observed many annoying, unnecessary or downright disrespectful actions from customers. Here are four of the most common ones.

"Make sure you get a good one for me."

Believe it or not, I have a fully functioning brain and am capable of picking out a clean and undamaged cut of meat or seafood. If you have a specific cut of meat or fish fillet that you want, by all means speak up and let me know. However, when a customer tells me to "pick out a good one" they're sending a message that they think I'm incapable of doing that on my own. I won't give you food that has been on the floor or sitting out in the dumpster for a week. Promise.

"Hey, you!"

Before I started working in the meat department, I was under the impression that all adults understood that yelling "Hey, you" is a very rude way of getting someone's attention. Alas, I was mistaken. Much more appropriate ways of getting my attention include "Excuse me" or reading my name badge and then using my name (I won't even get mad if you mispronounce it).

Customers getting angry that we don't have a product but never ask an employee for help.

I was hired for a reason and that reason is to help customers. If you don't ask, then I can't help you. Believe me, I want to help you, but I can't if you don't ask for help.

Impatient customers

Grocery shopping takes time. Do not expect to be magically bumped to the front of the line simply because you are in a hurry. If you only have 15 minutes until you have to be at your job, then maybe asking for a custom order isn't the best plan.