If you find it hard to book a flight or order something over the phone in an English-speaking country, imagine what it’s like to buy something at a hardware store. Even native speakers struggle sometimes. Of course, we all know what a screw is — who hasn’t screwed up at some point? Hardware store clerks are such patient people, and the same goes for plumbers. Poor things have to deal with inches and millimeters all the time.

Now imagine telling someone:

— “I need a 3/8-inch galvanized carriage bolt with a lock nut and two fender washers.”

They’d look at you like you’re crazy. But hardware clerks don’t even bat an eye. They rush into the back, come back a moment later, spread a bunch of boxes on the counter, and voilà — you get exactly what you need. Besides, they're excellent interpreters:

— "I need that little thingy that goes below shelves. My dog ate a couple."

Everyone knows things normally go on the shelves, but clerks pick up on what you want right away.

—"What color? Shelf pins come in several colors."

See? The epitome of efficiency and professionalism. They always know which thing goes where. I often think about what would become of us without them.