If you want to talk effectively with your customers, it helps to have some insight into what they really mean, regardless of what they say. There are more than a few classic lines floating around that are dead give-aways about what’s really going on.

Even though a customer may occasionally leave you mumbling in your beer, it’s surprising how humor can put some silver in the lining of that cloud.

So pay attention, cross only with the light, and watch for these warnings signs of customer tom-foolery…