When people go to wet markets or grocery stores, they simply want to score big discounts or go home with all the items they need in peace. But for this one Pinoy Reddit user, their simple task of buying fruits turned into an awkward conversation from which many of us can learn how not to be a judgemental Pinoy. Here’s what happened:

The house helper dilemma

Bumili lang ako ng prutas najudge pa ko ni manong
byu/TiredPanda16 inOffMyChestPH

One Pinoy Redditor (OP) shared an unexpected encounter of being misidentified as a house helper by a fruit vendor. While buying kiwi, the fruit vendor told them it was expensive, implying they probably couldn’t afford it. Although the fruit vendor’s response is borderline tactless, the OP brushed it off and paid for the kiwis.

Their small talk became more awkward when they met the next time. The fruit vendor first asked if they were the same person who bought kiwi last time.

“Opo. Kulang kasi nabili ko kahapon. Ang almusal ko ay kiwi,” the OP answered.

“Ah, bibili ka para sa amo mo?” said the fruit vendor, assuming OP is a house helper.

“Hindi po ako katulong, kuya,” answered the OP who also shared they live in a condo.

There’s nothing wrong with being a house helper because it’s not an easy job. However, what may have irked the OP was the unfounded assumption made about them.

Pinoys share their experiences of being mistaken for someone or something

Although the OP’s encounter seems like one of those stories you’d hilariously share at get-togethers, other Pinoy Redditors pointed out that the fruit vendor’s behavior screams disrespect. What’s more, many can relate to the OP’s experience with other judgemental Pinoys.

Take your cue from this Pinoy Redditor trying to buy a moisturizer. But thanks to the saleslady’s non-stop barraging to get the cheaper moisturizer, they left the store instead.

“Yung saleslady lumapit, we did not ask for assistance, persistent sa pagbenta ng other brand na kasi mas mura. Akala niya ‘ata hindi namin afford yung branded kasi pinipilit niya talaga na ‘yun na lang bilhin. Ending hindi kami bumili hahaha kako sa mall na nga lang.”

Some Pinoy Reddit users pointed out that OP’s encounter speaks volumes about how some local vendors judge their customers based on their appearance or what they wear.

“Madaming ganyan na tindero naka depende sa pustura mo kung kaya mong bumili ng binibenta nila.”

However, some called for more compassion towards the fruit vendor as he might be just genuinely curious why the OP bought a lot of kiwis despite its hefty price.

“Maaring hindi niya maintindihan bakit may bumibili pa rin ng ganon kamahal na prutas when (maybe) he can barely make ends meet. Baka nga mas malaki pa sa sahod niya per day yung presyo ng 1 kg kiwi. ‘Yung mga ganitong tao na ignorante ay biktima lang rin ng circumstance.”

But if you want to avoid things like these, it won’t hurt to follow this advice:

The million-dollar question: Are some Pinoys too judgmental?

Being judgmental or nosy isn’t specific to Pinoys. But if these awkward encounters are to go by, some Filipinos need to work more on minding their own business rather than making unnecessary assumptions about others. With that said, here’s a valuable nugget of wisdom to live by:

Have you encountered a similar experience? How would you respond to a judgemental Pinoy? Let us know in the comments!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!