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 call fizzy drinks—soda, pop, or Coke?
Who even knows the answers to these critical questions, and does it really matter? Wear whatever you like whenever you like. As long as the toilet paper is changed properly, I’m all for it. And if the drink is cold and sweet, what you choose to call it doesn’t concern me. (But just so we’re clear, it’s soda.)
When it comes to navigating the unspoken rules of life, I generally rely on the simple principle of “don’t be a jerk.” This guideline covers a lot of ground. In fact, I think the original golden rule of treating others how you want to be treated could have easily been rephrased as “don’t be a jerk.”
However, “don’t be a jerk” is just the bare minimum of decency. We should strive for more than that.
Recently, it appears that people are complicating this straightforward rule. Acts like holding doors for others, sharing, and even letting someone ahead in the carpool line have somehow become “optional” instead of basic acts of common courtesy.
Shopping Cart Etiquette
What blows my mind the most? The ongoing debate about whether one should return their shopping cart to its designated spot. Honestly, I’m astounded that this is even a question, let alone how passionately people argue about it. Shopping cart etiquette isn’t merely a hot topic; it’s an absolute mess.
Let’s make this clear: Return. Your. Cart.
But what if it’s raining? Return the cart.
Feeling lazy? Hopefully, you parked close to the cart corral, but either way, return the cart.
Exhausted? Just order from Amazon Prime and skip the store.
If you have a baby crying and a toddler throwing a fit because you denied them candy at the checkout, take them with you, or buckle them in, and return the cart.
Now, I get it—parents need some grace sometimes. However, being a parent doesn’t excuse us from common decency. We can’t disregard basic rules just because we’re managing kids.
It takes a mere 20 seconds to return your cart. You can see your car the entire time, and your doors are locked. If safety is your concern, driving to the grocery store is far riskier than leaving your kids in a locked car in your line of sight for 20 seconds.
Sure, there are exceptions to the “always return your cart” principle. Individuals with disabilities absolutely get a pass. If you’re in immediate danger, please leave the cart and prioritize your safety. And in the event of an apocalypse? Forget all rules.
But otherwise, please—just return your shopping cart!
Some folks argue that by not returning their carts, they’re giving someone a job. No, that’s not correct. Store employees already have the responsibility of moving carts from the corrals to the store. Their job isn’t to clean up after you. Leaving your cart for someone else’s “job security” is akin to tossing trash out of your car window for public works to deal with. Disgusting and inconsiderate.
Part of the “don’t be a jerk” rule is about making someone’s job easier, not harder.
And to those who say, “It’s just a cart. What’s the issue?” The real problem is the potential damage to other vehicles caused by abandoned carts. Plus, imagine the chaos if no one returned their carts—finding a parking space in a crowded lot is already stressful enough without having to dodge rogue carts.
I’m not suggesting you’re a complete jerk if you don’t have a perfect record—everyone slips up occasionally. But please, stop making excuses and return your cart. Especially when your kids are with you; after all, you’re setting an example for them.
I was more than surprised to discover that this was even a topic of debate. Equally disheartening is the fact that some people are criticized or ignored when they genuinely need help managing the chaos of shopping with children. Remember, the “don’t be a jerk” rule applies to everyone.
If you see an unattended cart or someone who didn’t return theirs, just take it back for them. No need to be snippy about it. Everyone has their own battles, and no one’s perfect. Sometimes, people forget, or maybe they’re distracted by troubling news. Or perhaps they have an unseen disability. Just return the cart or look the other way.
Life can be confusing—I totally understand. I just recently learned that tampons shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet and that stick-on sandals are a real thing. And honestly, I still can’t figure out the ending of Lost. So many things seem to not make sense anymore.
But some things are clear: Dispose of your trash properly. Flush the toilet and take care of any cleanup. And for goodness’ sake, return your shopping cart!
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Summary
The article discusses the importance of returning shopping carts as a matter of common decency. It emphasizes the simplicity of the act and the unnecessary debate surrounding it while encouraging individuals to take responsibility, especially in front of children, and to extend kindness to others.