“The Bouquet Residence, this is Hyacinth Bouquet, the lady of the house speaking.”
Do you remember Mrs. Bucket (Bouquet) from PBS British comedy? Well, she’s got a job working as a receptionist for my dentist. At least, it could be her, it certainly sounds like her.
Oh, how that woman loves the sound of her own voice. Here’s how she answers the phone: “Hello! This is Becky Mae Walton, the receptionist in the office of Dr. Harry Jones, the dentist, how may I help you today?” Too much information, don’t you think? I have had entire phone calls that didn’t last as long as her greeting.
I heard her call a patient’s office, to say he’d be delayed a half hour returning from the dentist. She used the whole self-introductory speech, only she ended it with “I am calling on behalf of Mr. Smith.” Only then did she get to the meat of the message and divulge the bit about Mr. Smith’s half-hour. That’s quite a build-up. She sounds like she’s accepting an Academy Award, or maybe awarding one. The person on the receiving end must have got a word in edge-wise, because the receptionist responded, “You can live without him for another half-hour, can you? HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!” And she scanned the reception area to see who else thought she was witty. I felt obliged to smile a little, not enough to encourage her, I hope.
And the dentist? He’s an introvert, as best I can tell. He doesn’t say much unless he’s got something to say. What a relief.
Hi Chris,
I just found your blog and was delighted at this post! For years I watched Hyacinth Bucket (Bouquet) – what was the name of that show??? Anyway, she, and the entire show delighted me to no end, so thanks for this funny reminder of her. I’m glad the receptionist at my dentist isn’t like her!
I too am an introvert, so I’m looking forward to reading many, many more of your posts!
Thanks!
This is a fantastic example of a highly extroverted person from an introverted point of view.
To one who is self contained, it is both annoying and laughable that she looks around for audience approval.
Socialites are so steeped in their craving to be liked that they are hardly aware that it is the force behind everything they do. To an introvert, this driving motive is painfully transparent.
Extroverts try desperately to appear to larger than life, but through such acting they seem little more than simple cardboard caricatures to an introvert.
Such people usually choose their personas because of the approval and attention it gets them from other extroverts. It would never occur to them that their rapid fire talk and well projected stage voice instantly puts an introvert on edge.
This is an excellent article, I have put it on my blog roll.
These types of extroverts can be particularly irritating as they send out tentacles of desperation to everyone around them, looking for praise, feedback, response, anything.
While I can sympathise with the desire for validation, it’s the social, mental, and emotional equivalent of tugging on someone’s sleeve to get their attention.
Yes, dear. What a good little child you are, and what a wonderful… item… you have produced. But Mommy’s busy at the moment.
Oh, and for Chris’s question: the show was _Keeping Up Appearances_.
Hello,
Keeping Up Appearances is my favorite show! I saw this and thought I would write in for some advice: I am an introvert, and I am have always been an excellent employee with excellent reviews. I recently took a job as a receptionist and after a week of taking on this new job like a champ, I was told that I was not a good fit because I do not have “enough” personality for a front desk position…. Do any introverts out there feel that they are judged a bit harshly by extroverts? Just curious? I am in shock and would like to know that I am not alone.
Thanks!