I COULDN’T help thinking that Jane Reeve, or rather her friend, who felt shop staff were being too friendly (letter, October 28) has a problem.

I could name two well-known city centre shops where one is lucky to get a “bored grunt” from shop staff.

My own job includes serving the public and I have lost count of how many customers have told me it “brightens up their day” receiving an informal word of greeting.

I do feel Jane Reeve and her friend are living in the wrong era and maybe should have done their shopping in the Edwardian years if the term “Madam” was preferred, or perhaps do your shopping online instead.

So, friend of Jane Reeve, lighten up, enjoy warm human interaction (an art dying out) and you will find living in this world becomes so much more enjoyable. Have a nice day, love.

ANTHONY LANGFORD Wolsey Road Oxford