Grocery shopping is the one regular household chore that people complete together in a common space. Everyone in the store, doing the same thing in their own way without really interacting with each other. It’s a communal experience even if we don’t always appreciate it in that sense. Large food chains spend millions of dollars to create an ambience in the store to give shoppers a relaxed environment conducive to spending both time and money. Sometimes a different response occurs.

A friend recently told me of his sister who became emotional while grocery shopping. Not because of rising prices, but rather it was the first time in over a year she had been able to shop for groceries by herself without her small children in tow. Family support had been able to return to give her this freedom and it felt good yet emotional at the same time.

Years ago, another friend told me she became emotional while cruising the grocery aisles for the opposite reason. She had her youngest (and last) son with her. The next day he was starting day care and she realized this would be the last time they would be doing the shopping together. He was moving on so to speak. She realized he was not her baby anymore. Tears flowed next to the canned goods.

Which brings me to bananas. My late husband had liked bananas. I do not. He had always been the primary food shopper for us and when I took over, I had to learn to how to choose a bunch of bananas that was just right; not too green, not too ripe, not too many. I got quite good at it considering I can’t abide the flavour. 

The first time grocery shopping just for myself? Well, the sight of bananas just about did me in. I appreciated having my mask on.

Anyone else ever have a ‘moment’ in the grocery store?

Stay safe everyone.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  Facebook or Twitter.