Adult annoyances: Pens, part 1

Businesses and institutions like banks, government offices and the like will tie down their pens to prevent them from being stolen.  I don't object to that, it's as much a waste of time for them to replace the pens as it is the cost of replacing them.

What I don't like is the assumption that everyone is right handed.  Have you ever seen a pen on a cord that was tied on the left side of a counter?


More than a few times, I've had this or similar conversations:

Clerk: Please fill out this form.

Me: I need a pen, please. (My left hand is extended.)

Clerk: There's one there. (Pointing to the pen.)

Me: I need a pen.  (Insistence in my voice.)

Clerk: Use that one! (With insistent voice.)

(I proceed to more or remove the pen, by breaking or removing the cord.)

Clerk: HEY! HEY! Stop that!

Me: I need a pen.

It's only then that they clue into the fact that the pen is on the wrong side and hand one to me.