Psst! Hey buddy, c'mere.

I never thought that getting change was all that much of an ordeal. You proffer the bill denomination that is unsuitable for your desired needs and the guy behind the counter, provided they have the resources on hand, exchanges it for an equal total of lesser denomination currency. No muss, no fuss. It appeared exceedingly mundane and straight-forward from my perspective.

I am apparently incorrect. Repeated observation has demonstrated a consistent percentage of folks do not view getting change here in the same light. I can't believe I haven't erupted into derisive laughter in one of these patrons for it.

Shocked? You haven't been a party to such an exchange, not to mention that I have not given vent to any sort of giggle or titter for this to date.

For it really is quite comic, they'll sidle up to the counter, leaning over in a companionable slouch as if bellying up to a bar in some noir detective movie. You know the posture, the affected display of being cool, collected, and on good terms with the person on the other side. Anyone seeing it can't help but mark it as a private conversation over a counter. Other than the dramatic impression of their posture, this isn't altogether bothersome. Face it, sometimes when you're in an adult store, you don't want to be broadcasting your questions for the entire assemblage.

Ah, if they only stopped there, but they don't. They don't have a question, they want to break a bill. This is where they will palm a folded twenty (or a five, ten, fifty etc.) over the counter like they're passing notes in school or slipping me a bribe. Usually this will be accompanied with a murmured request for a particular breakdown of bills.

What the bloody fuck?! It's not like they're asking for military intelligence or to order a hit on someone. Must be one hell of an embarrassment to find oneself short on ones for the arcade. Crèmed cherubim on cucumber crackers, no one gives a flung custard what money someone in here is getting change for. No one here cares that you're headed for the arcade. No one passes the doors here without knowing and expecting items of a sexual nature will be featured.

I'm just baffled and increasingly amused. People are silly bastards.