On Being Bitchy

i was being a bitch and i knew it. but i couldn't stop. the first problem was that i was at mcdonald's. mcdonald's here has "maxi menüs" where you choose a sandwich or nuggets and two of fries, salad, 0.5 L softdrink, 0.5 L shake, 0.5 L sparkling water, some coffee and an orangejuice. i usually order softdrink and salad. the salad somehow reassuring me that i'm not eating completely irresponsibly. but this time i ordered the german equivalent of a quarter pounder with cheese, a strawberry shake and a water. to which the cashier replied "so, water instead of fries?". the first time she said it, i really didn't understand and asked her to repeat herself. upon getting the question my demon of stubborness reared it's ugly head.

me: what do you mean instead of fries?
cashier: yeah, water instead of fries.

at this point, i understood.

me: i didn't say anything about fries, i don't understand.

now the cashier is confused and i am annoyed at myself for going to mcdonald's, annoyed at mcdonald's marketing and training. i not-so-patiently explain how the maxi menü works.

me: ... and i get two choices. correct?
cashier: yes.
me: then i'd like a shake and water.

i'm not looking for absolution. i could have saved myself some trouble by just saying "yes, water instead of fries". what i find fascinating here is the split where i notice i am being obstinate and bitchy and am a little appalled but not being able to stop nor really wanting to.