Pet Peeve?

First off I want to express my wonder that some people make a pet out of their peeves. I may have a few that reoccure, but as far as I know I have never fed nor housed them, nurtured or cared for them. That being said, like any other human there are boundaries and expected patterns of behaviors that separate the acceptable from the unacceptable, at least in my own mind. Today someone crossed that boundary. You can judge whether I responded appropriately.

After work I stopped by the grocery store. I had a few things to pick up for my dad along with some prescriptions for him. That meant instead of going to the usual place on the way home from work I drove to a closer store, but off my route. No problem, but I was not familiar with the after work traffic of that particular store.

I managed to park, collect my things. I noticed that I had to wait at the pharmacy because they had a skeleton crew. Not a problem for me, but I saw at least one person acting impatiently.

Finally I was standing in line to check out. They had some apple cider doughnuts and some nice looking apple pies. The couple in front of me had a cart full and a cooler and bags. I knew that wasn’t going to be a fast deal. I glanced over and the only other lane open was moving just as slow. The self checks were empty, but no, I believe in supporting starter jobs for people and low skill jobs. I can usually afford to wait. An older man was behind me. A smile with the mask and a quick glance and I pegged him as on his way to 90, getting a yogurt, a few slices of cheese and a paper. I really hoped that wasn’t his dinner. I figured I’d let him go in front of me when the belt was clear.

While we were waiting, a younger man with a few flowers, some beer and five or six other things asked the old man if he can go first. “You don’t mind, do you?” He asks moving his cart to block off the older man. “I’m in a hurry. I didn’t fight traffic out there to fight it in here too. They should have opened the express lanes.” He went on to complain, trying to draw attention away from what he was doing. Obviously hoping a I’ll let him in front of me as well.

As soon as the belt was empty I motioned to the older gentleman and directed him to leave his cart and collect his things. No need for him to stand longer than he has to. By then he was tired and visibly trembling. The gentleman came forward with his few items and showed me he had cash so it wouldn’t take him very long. I told him to take his time.

Just because a person has lived many years does not mean they should be treated as less human, less important, or unwanted. Someday if you we are lucky we will be old, slow moving and looking for someone to speak with who can explain what is happening.