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Original poster

Why do so many couples go to the supermarket together?

182 replies

Changingmyname1234 · 11/04/2020 15:41

I was at the supermarket this morning. I go once at the weekend so dh can supervise our young DC without WFH distractions. The past 3 weeks I've noticed quite a few couples shopping together. Some have even been wearing gloves and masks... I'm totally baffled why people need to do this. It makes social distancing so much harder and increases their risk of passing it on or catching it. Surely if one doesn't drive the other can just wait in the car. Maybe there a good reason that I'm just missing. I am just curious really...

OP posts:
Cuddling57 · 11/04/2020 15:58

I'm also wondering why people are taking their older children too. What self respecting teenager wants to be seen in Asda with their parent? Wink

SkelingtonArgument · 11/04/2020 15:58

Because it’s quicker! We have a list each and have split the shopping into 2 sections of the supermarket. I start at the far side, DH starts at the entrance, we meet in the middle. Both using self scanner so quickly through the till and exit

MinesaBottle · 11/04/2020 15:58

DH has gone with me a couple of times for the walk. He waits outside, keeping away from people, and helps me carry the shopping. I can’t carry that much for a mile and don’t go shopping often!

ThisMustBeMyDream · 11/04/2020 15:59

We live in the same house currently, but we are financially independent. We could take 2 trips separately, but it seems pointless. So we currently go together to save 2 car trips.

TheReluctantCountess · 11/04/2020 15:59

I went the other evening, and there was a whole family there: mother, father, three teenage children (the youngest looked to be at least 13). The father and one of the children kept coughing. The mum was wearing a mask.

Applejaxx · 11/04/2020 15:59

Some couples are so codependent that they can no longer function as an individual. I also often wonder if there is a controlling aspect where one of the couple doesn’t like the other doing something without them?

MereDintofPandiculation · 11/04/2020 15:59

A legitimate chance to get out of the house.

topcat2014 · 11/04/2020 16:00

The driver husband is obviously too thick to do the shopping on their own.

That is the conclusion I reached in the Aldi queue today.

Original poster
Changingmyname1234 · 11/04/2020 16:00

@HeartZone that makes sense if you are shopping separately. These couples are most definitely going round together, getting in the way.

@RainbowFlowers I agree it seems very inefficient.

It would certainly be easier if shopping for more than one person but I am shopping for my parents too and just have to manage as that's the rules.

OP posts:
Parker231 · 11/04/2020 16:02

Why are people making excuses - the supermarkets are trying to make the stores safer for customers and staff. Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have said they will now be enforcing this to keep people safe. Exceptions for single parent families.

Thesunrising · 11/04/2020 16:04

Couples that monopolise pavements by walking hand in hand,side by side, give me the rage too. During lockdown when you are stuck in with your partner 24/7, surely going out by yourself is the one time you can have a bit of genuine time to yourself.

GrumpiestOldWoman · 11/04/2020 16:04

parker agreed.

The more people in the store, touching surfaces, coughing, sneezing etc - the greater the risk for everyone. The shopping trip may be essential for the household but it will rarely be essential for two people to go into the store.

cadburyegg · 11/04/2020 16:06

Best thing to do this lockdown is focus on your own family rather than obsessing what other people are doing

Applejaxx · 11/04/2020 16:07

It’s annoys me all the time, even when we are not in lockdown. I find couples who do everything together and live in each other’s pockets really pathetic.

GrumpiestOldWoman · 11/04/2020 16:08

Cadbury I am focusing on my family when I have to mix with more people than remotely necessary when doing the fortnightly food shop, risking bring back a dangerous virus into my home Hmm

00Sassy · 11/04/2020 16:09

We went together yesterday.

DP got our weeks shopping and I shopped separately for my Dad’s household and also my brothers household as they are self isolating.

DP couldn’t have got everything himself due to the restrictions still being on some products.

YesItsMeIDontCare · 11/04/2020 16:11

Disabilities.

I have a tendency to have seizures in supermarkets so I can't go on my own. DH can't walk far due to spinal problems so he can't go on his own either. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Shinyletsbebadguys · 11/04/2020 16:12

I'm honestly rarely judgy at all and to an extent laugh at the over zealous mumsnetters who are thoroughly enjoying bosom hoiking. However I had to have a word with myself the other day when I saw two parents , 3 children (one in a buggy) pootling around sainsburys.

It did give me the rage , they didn't buy loads so it wasnt a case of not being able to carry (I happened to see them on the way out) the DC were getting in everyones way whilst they were trying hard to socially distance (now I grant you my DC get overexcited in a shop...but no way would I dream of taking them to a shop)

I did give myself a lecture on the way home that I dont know the circumstance an there could have been a good reason but I admit to a moment of irrational rage

Original poster
Changingmyname1234 · 11/04/2020 16:13

@cadburyegg I'm certainly not obsessing over it. However, it's concerning that people are being selfish and are behaving in a way that could have a knock on effect for my family including my relatives and colleagues working in the NHS.

OP posts:
StrangerDays · 11/04/2020 16:15

Maybe they are pocket couples?

What's a pocket couple?

Sounsociable · 11/04/2020 16:15

I've seen quite a few couples (and some with a toddler) when i went shopping. I find shopping with DH or a toddler stressful without bringing covid into it! They didnt have a trolley each but were counted separately when they allowed a set number in at a time . I'm pretty sure they wouldnt have been on foot as it's a big out of town superstore on a retail park next to a motorway so very few residential houses near by.
Me and DH shop very differently and his ideas of essentials are completely different from mine but we make a list as we go through the week and the kids add to it too to make sure we get everything in one trip.

Original poster
Changingmyname1234 · 11/04/2020 16:16

@yesitismeidon'tcare
I did wonder about that...
I would have hoped you might have got an online slot in that situation but maybe not on the 'vulnerable' list where Coronavirus concerned?

OP posts:
Sounsociable · 11/04/2020 16:18

I went to one shop before lockdown started with (teen) DD. I went in on my own while she waited outside, bought quite a lot of stuff and she helped carry it home

EggysMom · 11/04/2020 16:19

I don't mind couples shopping together. What I do mind is when of them stands with the trolley on the left side of an aisle, whilst their partner is stood on the right side of the aisle browsing the shelves. This leaves no option but to push my trolley right between the two of them .... Just stand to the same fucking side!!!!!

ilovecakeandwine · 11/04/2020 16:19

I've no idea either me & dh taking turns me one week him the next .