u/Artistic-Attempt-881

Earlier today I was doing some grocery shopping, and I was just finishing up to head up to the check-out to pay for my items. A little girl, probably 11 or 12 and a friend that looked about the same age, came up to me and asked if I would be willing to make a purchase for them. It immediately raised red flags, so I asked what type of purchase. She tried to beat around the bush for a couple of seconds saying that "it's not actually for me it's for my friend but I promised her I would get it for her".

I told her that I would not be making any purchase for her that she cannot make for herself. Because I had a feeling that it was for alcohol. She got a little irritated with me and asked why. I told her that if she could go ask her mom, and her mom would say no, it was NOT my place to say yes. I made a comment about how she needed to be a bit more mindful with coming up to people that she doesn't know in this manner. And that it can be dangerous.

She got incredibly angry, and started cussing me out. She called me a fat cow and a "dried up old bitch". I am 24. So whatever. But I went to walk away, and as I turned around I heard her say "she's probably a dyke too." I about lost it. I turned back around, stood right in front of her, leaned down so I was on her level, and said "Little girl you need to go home to your parents right now and tell them that they should be disappointed in your behavior. That is NOT how you speak to people." She started laughing and her and her friend walked away.

I feel like I'm TA in my response to her. I feel like I should have just ignored her and walked away. But in my mind, if I don't at least attempt to shut that behavior when I see it, I am not doing my due diligence to society. Some people's children are never told no. And they feel comfortable saying anything they want.

I don't know why a 12 year old has me shaken up, but is this really what kids are like right now? I don't have any yet. But that scares me. What is making them like this?