Life is often a perplexing maze of choices. Should the toilet paper hang over or under? Is it acceptable to wear white after Labor Day? Do you call fizzy drinks soda, pop, or Coke? The answers to these pressing questions might elude us, but that’s okay. Wear what you want and call your drink whatever you like—as long as the toilet paper roll gets changed, I’m satisfied. And for the record, it’s soda!
In navigating life’s unspoken rules, I often rely on a simple guideline: “don’t be inconsiderate.” This principle covers pretty much everything. In fact, the golden rule of “treat others as you wish to be treated” could very well have been summarized as “don’t be a jerk.” But truly, the guideline of not being inconsiderate is just the starting point. We ought to strive for more.
Recently, however, it seems people are complicating this straightforward rule. Simple acts like holding doors, sharing, and being courteous have somehow become alternatives rather than the baseline of common decency.
What truly baffles me is the ongoing debate about returning shopping carts. It’s astonishing how heated discussions can get over this topic. Cart etiquette isn’t just a minor issue; it’s practically a raging inferno!
Let’s be clear: return your shopping cart.
Is it raining? Return the cart anyway. Feeling lazy? Hopefully, you parked close to the cart corral, but regardless, return the cart. If you’re really feeling lazy, just shop online instead!
Got a fussy baby and a toddler throwing a fit in the checkout line? Take them with you, or buckle them into the car, and return the cart. I get it—parenting can be tough—but that doesn’t exempt us from basic courtesy. We can’t ignore the rules of decency just because we’re busy raising kids.
It takes only about 20 seconds to return a cart, and your car is in sight the entire time with the doors locked. If safety is your concern, remember: driving to the grocery store is far more dangerous than leaving your kids in a locked car for 20 seconds.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Those with disabilities can be excused. If you’re in immediate danger, by all means, leave the cart and prioritize your safety. And in the event of an apocalypse, all bets are off. But aside from those cases, I implore you—please return your cart!
Some argue, “I’m giving someone a job by leaving my cart.” No, not exactly. The store employees already have their responsibilities, which include collecting carts from the corral. Leaving your cart for someone else’s “job security” is akin to littering, expecting someone else to clean it up—that’s just rude.
Leaving a cart behind is not just inconsiderate; it complicates the lives of others. It can cause damage to parked cars and contributes to chaos in busy shopping areas. Finding a parking spot is stressful enough without having to navigate around abandoned carts.
I’m not suggesting you’re a terrible person if you don’t always return your cart, but let’s stop making excuses. Even if your kids are with you, returning that cart sets a great example.
As baffled as I was to discover that this is even a debate—let alone a heated one—I was equally disheartened to learn that people often face criticism or indifference when they genuinely need help managing the chaos of shopping with kids. Remember, the “don’t be inconsiderate” rule applies to everyone.
If you see a stray cart or someone who hasn’t returned theirs, why not put it back for them? Avoid being snappy. Everyone has their struggles; perhaps someone just received some bad news or is dealing with personal challenges. Instead of getting annoyed, offer a helping hand or simply look the other way.
Life can be a puzzle. I only recently discovered that you shouldn’t flush tampons and that stick-on sandals are a real thing. And don’t get me started on the ending of Lost! But some things remain clear: discard your trash properly, flush after use, and for goodness’ sake, return your shopping cart!
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Summary
In conclusion, returning shopping carts is a simple act of courtesy that reflects our shared responsibility towards one another in public spaces. It may seem trivial, but it plays a significant role in maintaining order and respect in our communities. Let’s strive to be considerate, return our carts, and set a positive example for others.