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When I visit a store in my work clothes (I wear shirt and tie), I'm constantly asked by other shoppers to get something off a shelf or tell them what aisle this or that is located in.

That's because they think I work there because I'm the only one in the store (other than the workers) who is not dressed like a slob.

If it's taking something off a shelf, I'm usually pretty helpful as it's usually a short old lady who just can't reach. But if they are asking me what section to find the canned sardines, I will often have fun with that. I'll tell them confidently that they can find those in aisle 12, three shelves from the bottom, just between the canned peaches and the Hamburger Helper.

At a restaurant one time, a diner thought I was on the waitstaff and flagged me down as I was passing by to get refills on their drinks and I cheerfully told them I'd be right back with them. I then went to the waiter and pointed the woman out to him and noted it was her birthday today. Within 5 minutes, the entire waitstaff gathered around her to sing Happy Birthday.

Instead of being offended, have some fun! Life is way too short.

When I visit a store in my work clothes (I wear shirt and tie), I'm constantly asked by other shoppers to get something off a shelf or tell them what aisle this or that is located in. That's because they think I work there because I'm the only one in the store (other than the workers) who is not dressed like a slob.

Me too. I dress pretty casual at my office. Sometimes during lunch I go to Target, Staples or a supermarket. I usually walk into these stores swinging my keys on a chain around my forefinger.

Folks on numerous occasions have mistaken me for an employee (maybe a floor manager) of those stores.

I rode the bus in my dress blues once and was asked if I knew the schedule for the next bus. Seems like out uniforms looked like the ones Greyhound used to wear. Funny but took no offense.