On three occasions, while at the bank, strangers walked up to me and asked if I could let them jump the queue. There was the Indian gentleman who looked me straight in the eye and told me he needed to go before I did because his business partner was stranded at Customs and so he had to get money fast or their goods would be impounded.

I wondered why he thought I cared, especially because he wasn’t being exactly polite making the request. "Madam, I need to get this money right now or we’ll be in trouble,” he said. In the end, I gave in and let him go first for two reasons. I thought he might be an investor, hence providing employment to some locals. Secondly, I wanted to uphold the perception people have of Africans since we’re generally regarded as hospitable.

Not long after that, another man asked for the same favour. Pacing impatiently, he told me about his sick son. "He won’t be treated until the doctors are sure I can clear the bill so please, please help me.” Again, I caved because I didn’t want to come off as mean, after all I’m a woman and we’re nurturers... Besides, I’ve seen friends panic whenever they got a call at work and learnt that their children were ill, so I felt a little compassion and waved the man on.

The third incident happened last Saturday. There was a long queue but I waited patiently although I knew I had to rush back to office before my supervisor noticed I wasn’t in. Just when it was my turn, someone tapped me on the shoulder and I turned to see a young woman smiling broadly. I was sure we hadn’t met before but we exchanged pleasantries anyway.

I thought she was just being nice or perhaps a new customer care recruit at the bank, taking time to check on clients as we waited to be served. Her next words disputed that. "Sister, I have to attend a wedding and in fact I’m the bride.” Not again, I thought to myself. This time, I didn’t want to give in because I’ve had it with people thinking that the rest of us have all the time in the world. So it’s your wedding, good for you but my life doesn’t have to stop because you’re getting married.

Also, what are you doing going to a bank two hours to your wedding ceremony on a Saturday of all days? Everybody’s going to be there because it’s the weekend so you either get there early or send someone. I nearly said no but I looked at her nicely done nails and hairdo and decided I didn’t want to ruin her day.

She probably won’t read this as I’m sure she’s on her honeymoon somewhere. Speaking of which, maybe that’s why she was at the bank? To withdraw money for their trip! Or maybe someone had sent their contribution very late and the couple needed it to cover something at the reception! I guess I will never know.