There is no way to pinpoint the day or time it happened…that moment when grocery shopping became comparable to a dentist visit.
Maybe it was a culmination of many things. The carts, for example, should not be stored in a way where only a well-placed grenade can separate them.
Once I know where my favorite products can be found- don’t move them. And if a product that I buy will be discontinued, send out an email notification if that item has been purchased in the past year.
To the customers who leave their cart on one side of the aisle to look at products on the other side of the aisle- don’t do that. You may need time to decide on the right flavor of jello, but this doesn’t require my involvement. I want to get this outing completed as soon as possible. Some days I ooze of patience, while other days have me reliving my youth as I try my hand at “bumper carts.” You shouldn’t risk this type of encounter.
To the woman in the produce section inspecting the bell peppers like she was a customs agent…it’s really not that serious.
To the stores who have the shelves too high- lower them. Yes, I’m tall and I don’t mind fetching all manner of products for your shorter patrons. But, fix it.
To the man who let out a loud sigh behind me in the checkout line when I didn’t let him go ahead of me– get a grip. I, too, find my time valuable and I would have probably let you checkout before me if not for your dramatic performance.
My cashier engaged in the same conversation I heard him begin with the last two people that checked out before me. “Hi, how are you today?” It just didn’t seem genuine…and do you really want to know how I’m doing? No. So, shh. I like the stores that ask: “Did you find everything OK?” That’s when I can complain about things being moved or discontinued.
I inevitably leave the store with way more than the list called out. I’m not sure if that’s my fault or some marketing genius has lured me into a web of savvy advertising.
After hauling all the groceries into the cart, placing them on the belt, loading them into the car and then bringing them into the house to put away…a nap is in order.
Over the next few days, my family will eat these new purchases, which is a mixed blessing. My loved ones will be well-nourished, but it also ensures that my grocery-shopping days are far from over.
And it reminds me. I better make an appointment to see the dentist.
Have a great weekend, friends! I love you! ❤
“The quickest way to know a woman is to go shopping with her.” – Marcelene Cox
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8
Toni L. Harty 