Working in a retail environment, you will sometimes come across rude customers. How would you handle a customer who is rude towards you or a co-worker?

"I'm a really empathetic person, so my first reaction to a rude customer is to wonder what's going on beneath the surface -- I truly believe that most people don't start their day planning to be rude or unkind to others. I don't let rudeness phase me; usually, when a customer is rude, I respond with even more hospitality and kindness. I think it shows the customer that we care about them, and it shows any other customers who see the interaction that we really value and respect each of our customers."