The grocery store checkout line that taught me a new kind of patience

I was at my local Food Mart last Tuesday, just trying to grab some milk and bread before work. The guy in front of me had a full cart and decided this was the perfect time to write a check, which I haven't seen in years. He filled it out so slowly, then realized he needed the manager's approval. While we waited, the cashier's scanner broke on a bag of oranges, so she had to type in every single code by hand. The whole thing took about 25 minutes for what should have been a five minute trip. Now, I actively scout the lines from the back of the store, looking for people paying with cards and carts that look light. I even keep a podcast ready to play on my phone just in case I get stuck again. Has anyone else developed a full strategy just to avoid a repeat of the slowest checkout ever?

2 comments

2 Comments

oliver_fisher1mo ago

My friend now brings a folding stool.

abby_chen1mo ago

My local Food Mart is the only store for miles, so I just accept the wait. That older guy writing a check probably needs it for his budget, and the cashier was having a rough day with the scanner. I've started using that dead time to just breathe and look around, not plan an escape. It's kinda nice to be forced to slow down for once. Your strategy sounds more stressful than just standing there.

-1