is it about time to represent all of the pita masters of the world? what about npr? what about you?

that was a long ass title.

i was listening to this american life on npr today and i heard a theory that supposedly is completely factual. it is something that i have heard somewhat before, but forgot about until now. waitresses will often smile only twice, be somewhat stern and standoffish with customers in an attempt to get more tips. that's right. more tips. how does this work, you say? in theory, people are intrigued by the rude people of the world. there is something about being standoffish with people that naturally makes them want to try harder to leave an impression on you. if i tip more, do i pass your tests? am i worthy of your favortism?
so, as i went to get a pita today, i decided to try it from the other side of the coin. i played standoffish customer. now, i'm not that fantastic about being standoffish to people that have done me no wrong. especially if they are in that same industry that i've worked in. i've been in pita man's shoes before. yet i decide to take the plunge. no, "hi! how is your day going? don't you love this weather?" bullshit from me. it's all serious. its all no talk, lets get to business attitude. this is what i need, this is exactly what i'm asking for, and i won't take any shit from anybody. i still tipped well. to be honest, i think he might have been playing the same game back at me in a way. i came in, he asks how my day is going, and i lightly answer without any real enthusiasm. "did you just get out of work?" he asked. i standoffishly said, "nah, i've been out since 5." i didn't ask anything from him or really present any sort of conversation.
"how is your day going? this is lovely weather, right?"
i sort of looked off a little and came back without really feeling anything. "yeah, its pretty nice. pretty laid back."
"yeah it's a pretty laid back monday."
"yeah, i suppose it is."
i focus on nothing in particular. i just don't want him to think that i'm going to give in to the theory. i must test the theory. i must test pita man.
the whole time pita man was saying these conversational pieces, however, he didn't seem enthusiastic either. it all seemed recorded and rehearsed. something about that interaction intrigued me. when you can tell that some guy is just taking that job for about 3 paychecks, just enough to get wasted with his friends in the mountains while messed up on a bad peyote trip, you know that you can't really hate him. he sort of becomes your instant hero. in return, i'm rather certain that he was just as fascinated by my lack of really caring to be his customer. we both just didn't care. those five minutes of pitaness became this whole categorized theory in action.
so, in conclusion, pita man should be the little hero in us all. thank you pita man. thank you.