Tough Shit!

I ventured out to WalMart today to do some much needed grocery shopping.  After spending the better part of 45 minutes filling my cart, I made my way to the check out counter.  The cashier, a very nice woman who was doing her best to expeditiously move me through the process, informed me that I could not purchase the 2^nd package of toilet paper.  “The rule is one to a customer right now, ma’am.”  At first I said, “You’re kidding.”  But then I remembered the rush on TP at the beginning of the lockdown and subsequent shortages of stock and I simply handed it over to her and said, “Ok.”  She looked at me and said, “Ok?”  I said, “Yea – It’s ok.”  The woman then explained to me that she fully expected me to begin yelling at her, which many have done.  “You wouldn’t believe how angry people get when I have to tell them that,” she said.

I have three bathrooms in my house.  I usually purchase the package of 20 rolls which lasts me quite a long time.  The last time I bought any toilet paper was long before the Covid-19 outbreak.  I missed that whole rush to grab and stock anything I could.  I just eased on through it without a care in the world.  But now I am nearing the end of my supply and wanted to replenish it.  The package, not a 20 pack but rather a 10 pack will still last me a good bit.  It’s not what I typically buy – but I understand the rule. 

What I did not understand, however, was this woman/cashier having to endure people yelling at her over this.  I don’t know her at all – but I do know that the cashiers in Walmart or anywhere else are not making the rules.  She is merely the messenger.  She is working for her money and trying her best to make my shopping experience pleasant and efficient.  What possible gain could come from my yelling at her?

My son has an expression: It ain’t that deep.  He’s right.  So, I’ll have to make another purchase in 6 weeks rather than 12.  Is my life going to be altered that drastically that it would merit yelling at this woman and altering hers?

Bottom line:  If you’re going to dish out a bunch of shit to people, all the toilet paper in the world won’t fix your problem or theirs.  Be nice!