When I choose to spend my money for goods or services at a retail or medical facility, I expect to be treated as if it matters. I don’t think that is an unreasonable expectation.

I am old enough to remember when customer service was a normal part of being a consumer. Unfortunately, in today’s world of drive-throughs, self-checkouts and cyber-shopping, consumers are paying more and getting less. And what is worse, we are expected to be happy about it.

Well, guess what. This consumer is fed up. I’m sick of the way retailers have decided not to take responsibility for products they sell, or how the medical profession thinks it is perfectly acceptable to ignore common human courtesies, such as returning phone calls or following through on routine responsibilities, or holding people hostage in stuffy, uncomfortable waiting rooms with blaring TVs for ages and ages.

News flash — my presence in your place of business identifies me as a consumer, which, by the way, helps pay your salaries. The very least you can do is treat me like it matters.

It seems as if the concept of customer service has gone the way of the rotary telephone. I am sick and tired of being treated as if spending my time and money for goods and services doesn’t matter. It is just not right.

Christa Kay, Topsham