How to shop

I am not sure why it can be so difficult to shop for groceries. It would seem to be a simple process, but some customers seem bent on making it more difficult or dramatic than it needs to be.
Here is how I usually think of shopping-

1. Make a list, either in your head or on paper, of items you might need to pick up at the store.

2. Drive, bike or walk to the store of your choosing.

3. Walk inside the store.

4. Get a cart or handbasket and start moving around the store.

5. Pick up items you need. If you can not find something, ask a helpful employee.

6. If the store does not carry something, shrugg your shoulders and get something else.

7. Move to the checkout lines.

8. Pick a line and get into it. When there is room on the belt unload your items onto it. They will eventually move down towards the checker.

9. Find out how much your groceries will cost and pay for them with cash, credit/debit, check or food stamps.

10. Take your groceries from the store in a cart or by hand and take them home.

Here is how to avoid problems and make your life simpler and less dramatic, at least while you are shopping for groceries-

1. The list- It is okay if you lost or forgot your list. Don't stress about it. Just buy some stuff and come back again if you have to. The store will still be here in an hour and also a few days from now.

2. Parking- Just pick a spot as soon as you see one. Even if you get one that is far from the door, it is not like you have to walk a mile or anything. Driving around in the parking lot waiting for a spot right by the door is only going to annoy you.

3. Walk inside, get a basket or cart. If you can't find one right away just ask an employee and they will get you one quickly. You don't have to get cranky and search the whole store for a basket.

4. Shop. Get what you want. Don't feel bad about getting cupcakes and beer. Buy a tomato and some carrots if you feel guilty. Have a good time. Talk to friends. Engage the meat guy in conversation. If you are too tired to shop just get a salad, a roasted chicken and some soda. And a candy bar for dessert.

5. Don't focus on all the things the store does not have. Simply change your meal plan and buy something else. If the store doesn't have a gallon of organic two percent milk, just get the regular kind this time. Try a different flavor of ice cream. Don't stress out. You can always get what you really wanted next time. The store is not "out of everything".

6. Find a checkout line. Be prepared to wait for a bit before it is your turn. If you get to just walk right up then good for you. While you wait, read the tabloids or talk to your neighbor. Check to see if you are in the express line with too many items. Sort your coupons. Get your check ready.
Relax for a few moments.

7. Say hello to your checker and ask for any help you might need. Ask for paper bags if you want them. Ask for help out if you want that. Your checker can make this part of your day a very smooth process. Take your time if you have any special requests, but do not spend time apologizing or telling long stories about how you forgot your shopping bags in the car or that all you have is a one hundred dollar bill. This will only slow things down and stress you out. Just deal with your situation and move on. We are there to help you.

8. Pay for your stuff. The checker can help you with this. Listen to their instructions and it will all be over soon.

9. The checker or bagger will load your groceries into your cart. You can help if you want to, but someone will take care of it unless you are at Winco or a similar store where you must bag your own.

10. Take your groceries outside and load your car, or you can have someone help you. Do not apologize for wanting help out. We do not mind.

11. Take your stuff home and enjoy.

Now wasn't that better? Try it next time and see if you don't enjoy grocery shopping at least 20 percent more!