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Health & Fitness

Is There Supermarket Etiquette?

Shopping and etiquette in the world of rush.

I went to Target the other day for a “small” list of items. We all know that when we go shopping for just a few things, we always seem to come out with more. I’m not the greatest at compiling a list, so I just try to work off my memory. Yup, not the smartest idea.

So, needless to say, I ended up with a cart full of items at checkout along with everyone else in the store that just happened to end up at the checkout at the same time as I did. So now, I’m standing in line six people deep and everyone seemed to be looking for a new register to open so we can all dash there first. 

Much to my surprise (and happiness) an employee comes along to open a new register. The two people in front of me make a beeline for it. The first in line turns around and says to the lady behind him, “please go ahead of me…you only have a couple items.” Wow! I don’t remember the last time I heard someone offer that. It was so nice of the gentleman to ask and the lady thanked him profusely.

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So, to answer the question, yes, there is such a thing as supermarket etiquette. It takes so little time and effort. I truly understand how incredibly busy some people are. Between children, work, house, laundry, shopping, kids, sports (should I go on?), we’re in a continuous state of rush. But it really does take so little time to be courteous of others while you’re shopping.  And, you know what? It makes you feel good as a person. So the next time you’ve got a full cart and the person behind you only a couple of items, offer for them to go in front of you. Maybe they’ll pay it forward to you one day!

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