Rising costs; we are the problem + solution, but where’s the empathy?

Most of us are experiencing one of the results of major labor and supply chain shortages…The goods and services we buy now cost more.  There is no getting around it. 

Businesses, particularly small businesses, are experiencing rising costs and now must raise their prices.  They are not doing it to gouge their customers and make higher profits, but simply to try to stay in business and not lose money in the process.  

So what as customers should we do?  We are both part of the problem and the solution.  I’ve thought a lot about this issue as I have read signs at restaurants asking us to be patient because they don’t have enough staff.  I’ve noticed price increases at other places I shop sometimes accompanied by a sign communicating a price increase.  

Knowing what is causing these higher prices, why do I still feel upset by them?  For me, it comes down to empathy.  

I only wish the places I buy goods and services from would show empathy to me as they are requesting.  That’s it - just tell me you realize that things are costing more, and you understand that it doesn’t feel good to be in my shoes as the customer.