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How do I overcome the fear of cashiers?

162 Answers
Last Updated: 04/23/2022 at 2:09pm
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Top Rated Answers
Profile: mossly
mossly
January 31st, 2021 1:28pm
I had a similar fear, and I overcame it by understanding it and coming to terms with if the fear is rational or not, and why. When we're feeling self-conscious, we tend to think that everyone else is noticing us a lot more than they really are. The truth is, everyone is busy with worrying about themselves the same way. Just like I might be feeling self-conscious about the items I'm purchasing while paying the cashier, the cashier might be feeling self-conscious about making small-talk, or giving the incorrect change back, or pressing the wrong button. And the cashier sees hundreds of of people and their purchases every day, they see too many people to take note of someone's strange purchases or someone's awkwardness.
Profile: FluffyWhitePanda
FluffyWhitePanda
February 26th, 2021 12:33pm
Get people to support you or help you like for example practice how to talk to a cashier like role playing or go with them to a shop and see how they do it. Having someone to motivate is always good. Even I practice sometimes conversation. It takes time to overcome fears and it is okay. You could imagine the person is for example someone you know. "Ask yourself what is the worst what can happen?" Sometimes we don´t really realise that it isn´t even a big deal. Never give up in trying and don´t forget there are many people dealing with the same fear you have and other fears. I Hope you will be successful in getting rid of it
Anonymous
March 19th, 2021 7:19pm
People usually think that exposure therapy works. The fear will go away if you try and put yourself in the position of interacting with it. You do not have to do it all at a time. You just have to take baby steps. Try and talk to the phone with cashiers, when ordering food, try and talk to people and slowly you will get more comfortable with this kind of interaction. Also, try not to be alone, have someone to support you and have your back, to interfere if you do not feel okay. Cashiers are just people who are trying to do their job. It is hard for them to cope with people everyday, so sometines it is understandable that they are a little bit grumpy, but It sound like your fears are coming from your feelings. Be patient and try to do small steps.
Profile: Izzy274
Izzy274
April 4th, 2021 10:19pm
There are lots of different ways to get over fears, and different things work for different people, but here are a few ideas that you could possibly consider if you wanted to. - Think about how the cashier is just a person, who is more likely focused on their job than judging you, and they see lots of people every day, so won't remember lots of people. - You don't need to have a full interaction with the cashier every time. Start as small as you need, such as challenging yourself to make eye contact once, or to say 'hello' or 'how are you' once you feel a little more comfortable. -Cashiers see lots of people every day, so even if you do something that seems really embarrassing to you in front of them, they've probably seen it before and won't be judging you. - Think about what in particular you don't like about cashiers, and then try setting a SMART goal to help you start to overcome it. - try distracting yourself whilst with the cashier, for example by playing a game or messaging someone on your phone. Fears are real and really difficult to overcome, but hopefully with continued effort and support you can begin to take steps to overcome this :)
Profile: Sodiumforsaltytimes
Sodiumforsaltytimes
April 7th, 2021 7:11pm
— why are you afraid? Chances are, you either: — had a scary experience with a cashier before. * What happened? How did it make you feel? What are your thoughts like now because of it? — hold onto expectations or try to mindread or make assumptions about how they view you. * Why do you need to be viewed that way? What can't they see? What are you trying to hide? Why?.. etc. And of course, professional help would be the best option. It's probably not available for everyone but it's most certainly worth mentioning. I hope things work out for you, friend.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 4:22am
I used to feel very nervous anytime I had to buy anything, and would often my friends or family members to do it for me. It helped me to remember that the cashier most likely doesn't even notice the things that are causing me to feel scared or anxious, even if I think that these things are blaringly obvious. They see dozens of customers a day so they are likely not focusing on you as an individual, their goal is to simply help you. Try and think of them as people who are simply doing their job, they are not there to judge you.
Anonymous
April 8th, 2021 2:15pm
Oh wow. I often have anxiety when it comes to talking to cashiers. My advice is to take a few deep breaths and psych yourself up. If all else fails, just don't really talk to them. They won't really talk to you if you wont talk to them, unless it's the stuff that they have to tell you, like the amount of money and stuff like that. I often have a bunch of anxiety when talking to strangers. What I typically do is just push myself to do it rather than not. It's better to at least say a little bit than not say anything at all, but not everyone views the same thing as me, so yeah
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2021 10:38am
Just remember cashiers are just people and probable have their own fears. Maybe first just go to the shops and just walk past them and say hi. Then move on from there. Baby steps are always the best way to start. Then when you feel comfortable gradually move on from there. If this feels too overwhelming then maybe ask a friend to go with you or maybe you have a friend that is a cashier and you can do it that way. Whatever you decide to do just remember you have a made the first step by asking for help. Good luck.
Profile: keirashepherd123
keirashepherd123
May 9th, 2021 12:46pm
coming from a cashier I love and respect every customer I come into contact with. I used to have extremely bad social anxiety so I understand the fear of us. I promise you, we probably will not remember you are we are busy scanning your items and waiting for our break or the end of the day. I am way more worried about what you are thinking of me and worrying about in case I mess something up and charge you wrong to be worrying about you. It is our job to help you and serve you. Do not be afraid to ask us something as that is what we are there for!
Anonymous
August 12th, 2021 8:30am
Identify the worst that could happen. You could bungle up your order and feel a little embarrassed and then? Nothing bad would happen as a result. Cashiers are people too and they understand someone people are nervous. Most of them won't pressure you or be mean when you tell them your order nervously or slowly. Additionally, planning what you say ahead can help the anxiety. As long as you don't take longer than 2-5 minutes, doing so can be helpful. Do this preferably while you're lining and just waiting to be called. Don't over complicate it. You got this, friend.
Profile: sourpatchsnail
sourpatchsnail
August 15th, 2021 1:07am
Hey there! Cashiers are human too! I 100% understand where you're coming from. As a person with a lot of anxiety (especially socially), those types of situations can be difficult sometimes. Especially when my grandma used to send me to the grocery with a freezer bag full of coins, haha! I always just try to keep in mind that they just want to do their jobs. If they look annoyed, it's not at you! Maybe they didn't sleep well, or are just not feeling the best. As the costumer, simply buying the store's items doesn't create any problems for them. I've met a lot of people too, who say that they never even look at what customers are buying (if that's what you're worried about). They just want to get everything ringed up and done so you can be on your way. And it's alright to give yourself a break sometimes. I still use self-checkouts (if possible) when I'm having a particularly rough day. Best of luck!
Profile: WhiteRoses25
WhiteRoses25
September 23rd, 2021 10:21am
You overcome the fear of cashiers by knowing you have a list and price of things correct and enough money to pay for your groceries. You never panic and always walk with a credit card if convenient. Always have more than one form of payment. Always also have either a visa or master card on hand. A discover card is great as well since they take these. Be confident and show show confidence, You are how you feel and no one will know your fears. Believe in yourself and visualize everything going smoothly. It is your chance to overcome your fear.