My son, Jake, has a part-time job at the grocery store in our neighborhood, working after school and on weekends. He’s saving up for a car—or perhaps a trip to Chipotle (I can see where the money goes since our accounts are linked!). Most of his shifts involve ringing up customers, and sometimes he bags groceries or gathers carts in the parking lot.
Last night, however, he was stationed at the register when you and your husband approached. The conversation was pleasant, and as his shift neared its end, I could tell he appreciated the friendly interaction with you both. It’s always nice to finish a workday on a high note.
Once your items were bagged and you signed the credit card slip, you could have walked away, letting Jake conclude his shift and enjoy a Saturday night—the kind of unwritten adventure that awaits a 16-year-old.
But you didn’t leave it at that. After he wished you a good evening, you turned back to him and remarked, “Wow, you have a lot of acne.” Then, pulling a business card from your purse, you added, “I sell products that can help with that. In six months, it’ll be gone!”
Jake accepted your card, responding with “thank you” as I’ve raised him to be polite, but he also added, “But no thanks.” He took your card out of courtesy yet stood firm in his decision, embodying the pride and bravery I’ve instilled in him.
I picked him up shortly after you left. As a single mom of four, I spend a significant amount of time driving my teenagers around. This often leads to valuable conversations. That night, we discussed your encounter.
His recounting of your words, regardless of your intent, stung. He shared how his mood shifted, saying, “Man. I was having such a good day up until that moment, Mom.”
You unknowingly disrupted his evening.
I tend to analyze situations deeply, striving to understand the motives behind actions. I don’t want to believe that people are inherently unkind. I offered my son some perspectives: “Maybe you had a couple of drinks at dinner and lost your filter,” I suggested. “Perhaps you struggled with skin issues yourself and thought you were being helpful.”
In my head, I thought, “Maybe you’re simply lacking social awareness and should think twice before pointing out someone’s flaws to make a sale.”
Jake, however, was already smiling again, likely comforted by our talk or perhaps a funny text from a friend. I felt a wave of relief as the cloud you cast over his day began to dissipate.
My son is a remarkable person—smart, charismatic, and well-liked among his peers. He possesses a sense of humor that fills me with pride. Sure, he can be a bit of a jokester at home, but at his core, he’s kind-hearted.
He has some acne, a common issue for teenagers, and he knows it. We have a range of skincare products, and I strive to provide healthy options for my kids. But here’s the crux: he doesn’t need anyone pointing it out, particularly not by a stranger at his workplace. You chose to confront him about a perceived flaw, all in an attempt to generate business for yourself.
And truthfully, it was a poor choice.
I have your business card in front of me as I write this. Having navigated a challenging divorce, I’ve learned to let emotions cool before reacting. I considered calling you that night to express my frustration, to let you know how inappropriate your comment was.
Yet, as time passes, I find my initial anger subsiding. I will reach out eventually, but not until I can do so calmly. Your actions inadvertently taught my son a lesson about the impact of words. He learned what it feels like to be on the receiving end of thoughtless remarks, and he now understands the importance of standing up for himself.
You unknowingly helped me prepare him for the world—one that is filled with individuals like yourself.
So, MLM Lady, I have a message for you. Before you attempt to market your products, consider your audience. Think about your words before you speak, especially when addressing someone you don’t know. And if you find that reflection challenging, perhaps you should explore resources that could assist you, such as this home insemination kit that offers various support for those navigating similar issues.
Warm regards,
Mama Bear
In summary, while the encounter with the MLM representative was hurtful and unnecessary, it served as a teaching moment for my son about self-respect and the power of words. As parents, we strive to equip our children to face a world where they may encounter challenges and thoughtlessness.