Life can be downright perplexing at times. Should the toilet paper roll hang over or under? Is it acceptable to wear white after Labor Day? And what do you even call fizzy drinks—soda, pop, or Coke?
Honestly, who cares? Wear what makes you happy, change the toilet paper roll however you see fit, and as long as the drink is cold and sugary, I’m all in. (But just to clarify, it’s definitely soda.)
When navigating the unwritten rules of life, I usually rely on a simple guideline: “don’t be a jerk.” This principle pretty much covers everything. In fact, I think the original phrasing of the golden rule was more along the lines of “don’t be a jerk.”
Unfortunately, it seems that people have taken this straightforward principle and complicated it unnecessarily. Simple acts like holding the door open, sharing, and letting others in line have become optional instead of part of basic courtesy.
But what really astounds me? The fierce debate over whether or not to return your shopping cart to its designated spot. Honestly, I’m more shocked by how heated the discussions can get. Shopping cart etiquette isn’t just a casual topic; it’s a full-blown circus!
Look, it’s not rocket science. Just return your cart.
“Oh, but it’s raining!” Return the cart anyway.
Feeling a bit lazy? Hopefully, you parked close to the cart corral, but either way, just return it.
Extra lazy? Consider shopping on Amazon Prime and skipping the store.
Got a baby crying and a toddler throwing a tantrum because you wouldn’t buy them a candy bar at checkout? Either bring them along or buckle them into their seats and return the cart.
I totally get that parents deserve some leeway, but being a parent doesn’t grant you a free pass to disregard common decency. We can’t ignore basic rules just because we’re raising kids.
It takes a paltry 20 seconds to return a cart, and you can see your car the entire time while keeping the doors locked. If you’re worried about safety, remember that driving to the store is far more dangerous than leaving your kids in a locked car for those 20 seconds.
Of course, there are exceptions to the “always return your cart” rule. Individuals with disabilities can be excused. If you’re in immediate danger, feel free to leave the cart behind and seek safety. And if the world is ending, all bets are off.
But aside from those scenarios, please—just return your cart.
Some people argue, “I’m giving someone a job if I leave my cart.” Wrong! That store employee already has a job: moving carts from the corral to the store. Their job isn’t to pick up after you. Leaving your cart for someone else’s “job security” is like littering and expecting public works to clean it up. Gross! It’s akin to splashing urine on the toilet seat and expecting the janitor to deal with it. Unpleasant and disrespectful.
The “don’t be a jerk” rule also means making someone’s work easier, not harder.
“It’s just a cart. What’s the big deal?” I’ve heard that too. Well, the big deal is the potential damage rogue carts can inflict on vehicles, not to mention the chaos that would ensue if no one took responsibility for their carts. Seriously, finding a parking spot in a crowded shopping area is stressful enough without dodging wayward carts.
I’m not saying you’re a terrible person if you occasionally forget—everyone makes mistakes. But let’s stop with the excuses and return your cart. Especially if you have kids with you; you’re setting an example for them!
As surprised as I was that this even became a topic of debate, I was equally disheartened to hear that some folks get yelled at or ignored when they clearly need help managing the chaos of shopping with children. The “don’t be a jerk” principle applies here too.
If you see an abandoned cart or someone struggling, just put it back for them. No need to be snarky about it. We’re all facing our own challenges, and nobody’s perfect. Perhaps someone is distracted by bad news or has an unseen disability. Or maybe they’re just dealing with a sudden urge to find a restroom. Instead of being aggressive, just take a moment to return the cart for them or choose to look the other way.
Life is indeed confusing. I recently learned that you shouldn’t flush tampons, and don’t even get me started on the baffling ending of Lost. Nothing seems entirely clear anymore.
But here’s the bottom line: Throw your trash in the bin. Flush the toilet and clean up any mess. And for the love of all that is good, return your shopping cart!
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Summary
Returning shopping carts has become an unexpected point of contention, but it’s crucial for maintaining order and courtesy in our communities. While life is complicated, the simple act of returning your cart is a straightforward way to show respect for others and promote a sense of responsibility.
Keyphrase: return your shopping cart
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