to think that things in your supermarket trolley aren't yours until you have paid for them

[jandymaccomesback]

This morning in Tesco we kept passing a womanwith a child in a trolley. We first saw her in fruit and veg, as she peeled a banana and handed it to the child. Next time we saw her the child was eating from a packet of cheese strings. Finally we saw her opening a carton of juice. All of these things came off the shelf. DH was so enraged he wanted to tell the staff, but I persuaded him not to. To me this is wrong, even if you intend to pay,and definitely gives a message to the child that she can help herslf. AIBU?

"DH was enraged and wanted to tell the staff"
I can tell you that Tesco won't reciprocate this touching concern, for you or the thousands of suppliers they shaft on a regular basis by not paying for months until they really have to, or screwing down the prices so low. Morals, hah.
But it's nice that you care, even if somewhat misplaced. me, I don't give a stuff. I would give my kids the odd thing to keep them quiet if I had to, but generally I shop online so as to avoid the difficulties a big supermarket shop and toddlers bring with it.
And other than the odd thing I am desperate for in the little local one, I don't go to Tesco!

incognito I hope you didn't take offence at my post. None was intended whatsoever. I'm assuming you're a working Mum, and have to do shopping after work time/early evening/dinner-time? Is that right? Have you thought about doing it perhaps early on a Saturday when everyone's fresh and the shops are still reasonably quiet? As a mother of four, I've been where you are, and know how hard it is, so you have my sympathies. Good to hear you use the dining table regularly though.

I think you are being completely reasonable.

YABU. As I'm sure someone already said (I did read the thread, but my brain stopped cooperating quite early on!) saying that it is poor planning if you or your DCs need food doesnt allow for people who arent 5 mins drive from a supermarket, with a car, and a short shopping list...

Good, I'm glad you're not upset about it looking common Henrietta - but the very fact that you've even had time to construct an opionion about people eating in supermarkets = looking common is quite amusing.

does anyone really use doilies now?

range rovers are common. Landrovers aren't

incognito I understand perfectly about busy weekends, you're quite right. These days, I go very early on a Saturday morning, and am back in time for everyone getting up and, like you, we love to have the full thing on a weekend morning, though in our case, it's the croissants, orange juice, a good cup of coffee, and home made pancakes. Weekend working for your DH can be a pain, can't it? Mine used to work away from home for months at a time (merchant navy) so I can sympathise with you when it comes to getting things done without a man around the place.

Maisie - so glad I amused you today! I do love to make people happy! Keep smiling.

ilovemydog - I shall be out first thing tomorrow going round the local dealers. I will trade in the Range Rover toot sweet, and come home with a lovely big Land Rover. I didn't know till you mentioned it that RR's are common - thank you for that - so I really must correct that immediately. Can't be seen to be at one with the common folk, can I?

You learn something new every day, don't you?

piglet the only usage of doily I have ever heard was when someone referred to James Blunt's oeuvre as "I need a doily for my cock"-whining

Depends on the item. Eating things that are paid for by weight isn't on, but anything where the packaging can be retained and scanned so you pay for the item is fair game IMO.

I think your OH was a bit over the top wanting to report this woman.

But as for eating in the supermarket being 'common', .

Can't believe this thread is still going.
With reference to doilies, my DMiL always used them,but she may have been the last person to do so! She died six years ago.

I can't believe how many people think it's ok to eat stuff before you've paid for it - of course it's not! They don't belong to you until you've paid for them. FFS!

Supermarkets turn a blind eye. If you're spending ££££ with them you can stuff your cake hole with a Wagon Wheel, French & Saunders stylee for all they care.

I cant believe how many people think its outrageous to eat something you have every intention of paying for.

They cant nab you for shoplifting until you try and leave the store with something.

Of course they can't thefirstMrsDeVeerie (excellent Hallowe'en name btw) but it's just the 'manners' thing of it all that gets me. I like good manners, and I don't like to see people stuffing their cakeholes, as Flossie so eloquently put it, in public. In addition, I do feel it could possibly give children the idea that it's ok to pick stuff up in shops and help yourself. I know you all pay for it at the checkout, but does a very small child really understand that? Or do they just understand the taking and eating bit?

rubyrubyruby I understand about using electricity and gas before you've paid for it (I do that for electricity - don't have gas, and pay my oil when it's delivered) and eating food in restaurants before you've paid (I do that too) - it's perfectly normal in those circumstance. However, I'm a bit bamboozled about wearing stuff you haven't paid for yet. Do you mean you would actually go into a shop, try stuff on, and wear it to the till? If so, you're a much braver woman than I!!

Thanks for the biscuit LadyClarice. Tis yummy.

Oh don't worry, I'll keep laughing at you Henrietta

Really still talking about this nonsense? Are you not bored yet?

manners? DD says thank you to the man in the deli counter who gives her her slice of ham - does that count?

Both DDs do understand that they don't get to eat anything that doesn't have a barcode on it.

re overfilling the salad containers - that pisses me off too. But today I was getting some coleslaw and when I was closing the box the lady behind the counter said "fill it right up, you pay for the container not by weight and then I'll seal it for you" - she said that some people bring elastic band with them to hold the lids closed on overfull containers....

Are you new to MN Bob?! This subject has been done to death many times over the years, but each new thread rumbles on for days - if not weeks

Not so new Msisie, just trying to get my head around why such a non-issue gets so much interest. It really baffles me.

MN is a strange and unusual place - just sit back, feel the bafflement, duck the buns, and enjoy the ride!