In a recent Facebook post that gathered significant attention, a journalist shared an experience he encountered at a ‘Norfa’ store in the Pilaitė district of Vilnius. The incident unfolded when he approached a store employee for assistance and was met with a response in Russian. According to the journalist, when he inquired whether she spoke Lithuanian, the employee replied that speaking in Lithuanian caused her headaches. This interaction, perceived as unacceptable by the journalist, led to a heated exchange about language and respect.

The journalist recounted how he suggested that if the employee found Lithuania unpleasant, perhaps she should consider returning to Russia, after she expressed disdain for the country in Russian. This incident not only reflects tensions surrounding the use of language in Lithuania, particularly amidst its historical context with Russia, but it also raised questions about customer-service dynamics and the expectations for communication in a multi-lingual society. The post prompted many reactions and comments, with people sharing their own experiences and opinions on similar issues.

Following the incident, the journalist reached out to Darius Rylišky, a representative from ‘Norfa,’ to share his concerns and seek clarification on the company's stance regarding language and its employees' interactions with customers. The public discourse surrounding this incident highlights the sensitive nature of language politics in Lithuania and the necessity for businesses to navigate these conversations carefully.