Going to the grocery store is a frequent chore. Most people can’t stand it but I don’t really mind it. Perhaps that is because my parents, a few other family members and myself (part-time in college) have and still do work in the supermarket industry. I feel comfortable in supermarkets and I can navigate them easily, understand weird signs and sale jargon, who to page if I need something in the bottled water aisle, and know what to avoid as far as old produce, spotty eggs, etc.

I have become adept at figuring out which check out counter will be the least painful, i.e. long and torturous. The trick is to pay attention to which cashiers are faster, friendlier and can bag your groceries so they will be A) Safe and B) light enough so you don’t need a forklift to put them in your trunk. Once you have determined which cashiers and baggers are decent, remember them. Remember their names and faces and look for them whenever you go to the supermarket. This becomes easier if you go to the same supermarket on the same day every week. Chance are one of your preferred cashiers will be working. A good tip for remembering random peoples’ faces…compare them to a celebrity or give them a nick name in your head. The first time you see them give them a nick name. For example, where is the cashier who sorta looked like Keanu in the first Bill and Ted’s? Perfect, you won’t forget him. Just make sure not to slip and call this person by their nick name.

Do not underestimate the power of the bagger. The bagger stands between you and your groceries, be nice to this person. If you want your chicken separate from your ground meat, just ask, but do it nicely. For example, ask before you see the person get to that item, Hi would you mind putting those 2 things in separate bags? Thanks! Not…Who put the chicken with the meat, eww, get another bag for this won’t you!!? You will end up with squished meat or canned goods crushing your eggs or something. Never a good idea to be mean to a bagger, a waiter or anyone who has even the slightest contact with your food.

If you are ever in a restaurant with someone who has been rude to your waiter, kick it into high gear and be extra nice. They might spit in your friend’s food but chances are they will take pity on you!

Add to del.icio.us!