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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be anxious about going shopping?

45 replies

QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2020 23:14

I really need to go and get some food in. My fridge is literally bare. I've been putting it off because I feel so anxious about going out.

Aibu?

OP posts:
bridgetreilly · 05/04/2020 23:16

It's fine. It is perfectly fine.

It's normal to feel a bit anxious, because it will be a bit different from normal, but it's all well-organised, calm and easy. Just do it and don't worry about it.

nicerainyweather · 05/04/2020 23:23

I feel the same. Luckily, have some Brexit stockpile left.

ECBC · 05/04/2020 23:26

This @bridgetreilly

Well put. If you’re able to (medically and not in a vulnerable group), try and pick a time where youre not in a rush and prepare for a bit of a queue to get in if it’s a large supermarket but it’s definitely doable. You can do it!

sallycinnamon14 · 05/04/2020 23:26

It is a strange and not exactly pleasant thing to do at the moment. Whenever I've been I've found there to be a very strange atmosphere not to mention the additional queuing and changes in store. But it's there to protect us. I've still been going once a week, I have to. There are no delivery slots and we don't have the money or space to stockpile vast amounts.

Be careful, keep your distance and you'll be fine. Think of the workers who are having to spend all day in supermarkets!

Onceateacher · 05/04/2020 23:26

I'm going tomorrow @QuestionableMouse
We can virtually hand hold Smile

LocalHobo · 05/04/2020 23:29

I’ve been out once since the lockdown for essential shopping and felt so anxious the entire time despite the supermarket being well organised with social distancing. I think it is a good thing really as, people like us, will not flout guidelines and will carry out all precautions. Some people I have heard of seem far to relaxed about the situation.

Taxanimal · 05/04/2020 23:31

I've been once a week for myself & a couple of other households. It's a bit nerve wracking but ok if you keep calm. Have a list & if there's too many people in an aisle, turn round & go the other way. Good luck

HeddaGarbled · 05/04/2020 23:32

TBH, with all the measures the supermarkets have put in place to protect staff and customers, they are probably one of the safest places to be right now.

Femail · 05/04/2020 23:33

I work in a store and late after noon seem quite. Also some stores are going back to later closing times eg Asda 10pm

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 05/04/2020 23:46

Thanks guys. I know I'm probably being stupid about it.

OP posts:
wannabeadored · 05/04/2020 23:47

I was really anxious the first time, I hadn't been out for nearly 3 weeks (no illness just not at work just now) .

The next time I felt a bit calmer .

BogRollBOGOF · 05/04/2020 23:52

If you're not fussy about what to get, it's quieter later in the day as the shelves are filled at night and left to become depleted.
Fresh veg is hit and miss. Long life pasta/ tins are stil depleted. Eggs and flour rarer.

With my ravenous household home full time and no lazy options avaliable, I'm going out weekly. It's certainly much calmer and reduced risk compared to the week or two before all the social distancing measures were introduced.

Lycidas · 05/04/2020 23:53

Wrap a scarf around your face. It’ll give you a feeling of security at least.

Wynston · 06/04/2020 00:14

Im the same....i ended up going late on sat.
It was really quite.
I did wear gloves and had handsanitiser.
Im not sure it makes any difference really although I just felt better not making the direct contact.
I do mine and an elderly neighbours.
I will only go the once a week......think I have to keep going or I fear I may never leave the house again.
It is much better than weeks gone by. I have ocd and mine is risk of contamination-both me passing something on as well as getting ill. This has been a very strange time.

SoupDragon · 06/04/2020 00:16

I was anxious about it and forced myself to go rather than sending a DS in. It was a bit weird but absolutely fine and I feel far less panicky about it all now.

Yellowandgreen · 06/04/2020 11:10

Me too. I have a mask and gloves though. Been putting it off for ages and the longer I leave it the worse the anxiety gets. But I need food and I know really it’ll be fine once I’ve been and done it

cardibach · 06/04/2020 11:15

I was very anxious the first time I went and it was not a pleasant experience, so I dreaded going again. Second time was much better as the supermarkets have settled into social distancing and preventative measures which make it much better. Odd atmosphere and I don’t fancy browsing, just buy my list, but it’ll be ok.
YA absolutely NBU to worry though.

squashyhat · 06/04/2020 11:16

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ImFreeToDoWhatIWant · 06/04/2020 11:22

It's uncomfortable and risky. People don't always observe the distancing no matter what the announcements. And it's not always where you'd think. My local Waitrose was overcrowded despite being one out one in, there were just too many people in there in the first place for it to be safe. I mentioned it to the manager as I left and he couldn't give a damn. In contrast my Iceland was vastly more civilised. Totally understand your anxiety.

Whoareyoudududu · 06/04/2020 11:23

My DH goes once a week, I’m pregnant so considered ‘high risk’ hence sending him. The supermarkets have handled it well, they only allow a certain number of people in at one time and people aren’t allowed to shop in couples anymore. Payment is all contactless, staff are behind ‘sneeze guards’. He says everyone keeps their distance in the aisles too which is good and some have gloves and face masks on. It’s been fine so far anyway, it’s the only time any of us leave the house and none of us have been ill as yet. Almost three weeks into ‘isolation’.

celan · 06/04/2020 11:27

I am going shopping for food every day. It's a miserable experience, in that they only let in a certain number of people, and it's completely unsociable. That upsets me as I live for social contact. But there's no shortage of anything in Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose or M&S other than ready-made sandwiches and conversation.

No mask, no gloves. It's bad enough living in isolation without going down that route.

Doje · 06/04/2020 11:34

I did mine last week and was quite anxious about going.

It was actually very calm, and I really enjoyed the space from my family for a while too!! Nobody shouting "mummy" at me for over an hour!!

Take a coat, or something warm in case you need to queue outside (I had to queue for 20 minutes). Nd hand sanitizer if you can. I have a tiny bit, but used it once I'd got back in my car, so I could feel 'clean".

Once you're in, it's quite a pleasant experience actually! Just like a non hectic normal shop.

bridgetreilly · 06/04/2020 13:06

I am going shopping for food every day.

Please do not do this unless you absolutely have to. We are supposed to be shopping as infrequently as possible, not using it as a reason to get out of the house more regularly.

PineappleDanish · 06/04/2020 13:13

I completely understand how you feel. I felt just the same but last week we really did need to go out and get food for the family.

Our local Asda was very civilised, they have people on hte door limiting who goes in and out, arrows on the floor to control flow of people, squirty bottles and paper towel to wipe the handle of your trolley, everyone doing as they should and plenty of food on the shelves. And they have quite clearly chosen to play uplifting and cheery music over the tannoys.

It really was fine. Just remember to wash your hands when you get home.

Original poster
QuestionableMouse · 06/04/2020 13:51

Just got back. It wasn't as bad as I'd thought. Very weird though because no one was speaking!

Glad I went, even if I did spend an absolute fortune!

OP posts: