While I could understand her frustration I couldn't understand her behaviour, or her treatment of the staff at that particular store.

For starters, the items were not sent from that store - it was just one of the many branches in a chain.

Secondly, the attack on the young team, trying to be helpful and sort through the problem, appeared to make the staff more nervous by the minute. For the record, I was impressed with their calm demeanour and efforts to tend to other customers while this woman continued to demand attention from all those on the payroll. However, they all appeared shaken by the situation. And no doubt some of the other customers were too.

As the line of those requiring service grew, this woman continued to loudly criticise the staff. I know it made me feel uncomfortable and concerned for the staff, although they continued to smile through gritted teeth, while trying to be attentive to others.

Eventually - within about 15 minutes - the staff had managed to work through the problem. The disgruntled customer stormed out of the store barking back that she had spent a lot of money at that store and she should in fact be treated like a VIP. Followed by the warning that she wouldn't shop there again.

Of course, it's annoying when an order goes awry, but human error happens.

I can also understand taking steps to have the problem corrected - but as the saying goes 'don't shoot the messenger'. The staff at this particular store were not the cause of the problem, but they were trying to do the very best to remedy the situation.

As far as the VIP title is concerned - every person deserves to be treated like they are important, including the staff, and the other customers lined up to make their purchases.

It occurred to me that the 'silly season' is well and truly upon us. With this in mind I hope people will show consideration for others and appreciate the joy, rather than the chaos, that is associated with the lead up to Christmas.

Remember it has been a tough few years for all, most have been challenged and struggled in some way or another.

Please be kind to others - and yourself - value the time with friends and loved ones, and don't let the little things bring you down. More importantly, don't take your frustrations out on others.

Above all embrace the positives in life. The Southern Highland News eagerly strives to draw attention to the good news in the community.

There is some excitement in the air for rugby fans with news that Australia's best rugby players will grace Bowral in February with a Super Rugby trial match.

Meanwhile a new Wom-bat Mobile means one organisation in the Highlands can reach and treat more wombats like never before.

In other good news a Highlands musician is enjoying chart-topping success.

Continuing the good news theme local women escaping domestic and family violence could have somewhere to go if a new working group manages to land a share in NSW Government funding announced last month.

And if you are feeling like webbed feet are forming with all this wet weather I'm not surprised with November being the wettest month this spring in the Highlands. Clearly not a concern for water-loving birds as can be seen in the above picture.

Stay well and be kind,

Jackie Meyers

Editor