I never really considered that working in retail would be tough. In my mind, before I recently started working at Lululemon Athletica, the people who worked at stores in the mall had the easiest jobs in the world: fold clothes, convince people to buy said clothes, and take the sensors off of each and every garment, put them in a bag, and send the customer on their merry, jolly way.

Last week, while I worked my first seven-hour shift, I realized that my preconceived notions were a giant load of BS.

I learned a lot during those mere seven hours and I hope to impart such wisdom to you readers. These are not only a few important lessons, but also necessary apologies to anyone working in retail who I’ve ever come in contact with before.

I’m sorry if I’ve ever talked down to you. I’m sorry if I’ve ever left clothes awry in the dressing rooms or on the shelves or hangers. I’m sorry if I’ve paid with a gift card, $17 in cash, and then split the rest between my credit and debit card.

Basically, I’m sorry if I’ve ever acted like a complete an utter jerk to you.

Working behind the scenes has emphasized something so essential: the “little people” really are the big people.

I would classify us retail workers as those people.

So, the next time when you go shopping, I ask you, nay, beg of you to show a bit of respect. Clean up after yourself. It doesn't take much effort on your part, but when you and 50 other people don't bother, it adds up to a massive conglomeration of wrinkled tank tops and leggings for the staff to worry about. More importantly than that, however, show us some kindness. A smile and a "How are you?" go a long way. Simply treating us as though we're human and worth your time validates the job that we choose to work.

We do it because we love it, but we'd love it even more if you showed us some love too.