I used to work reception at a small insurance office in the UK.

The policy was no food or drink at the front desk.

Fair enough.

It wasn’t that simple.

But one summer, we had a heatwave and no air con, so I brought a water bottle and discreetly kept it behind the monitor.

One day, the manager spots it and tells me, Absolutely no drinks at the desk. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot. The rules are the rules!

I asked, even water?

And she said yes.

So the next day, I don’t bring any. By 2pm, I’m dizzy and dehydrated.

The consequences come into effect.

I walk away from the desk and sit in the break room to drink water.

The manager comes in and ask why I’m not at the desk.

I reminded her that she said no drinks at the desk. I needed water, so I had to leave.

The phones start ringing off the hook and clients are standing around waiting.

I was told to use common sense after that and my water bottle stayed.

Sometimes you have to follow the rules to get the rules changed.

Here is what people are saying on Reddit.

When will they learn?

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That’s appalling. The principal should be notified. Then the superintendent.

Don’t give them ideas.

This made me laugh. Clever!

That would be nice.

Is the manager a cactus?

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