Why do so many couples go to the supermarket together?

[Changingmyname1234]

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...

I don't know why, the same as people taking their children with them.

My local mini supermarket (think similar to Tesco Express so not "mini" but not large either) in the village has a 6 person in store rule (basically a person per isle).

Yet even when there is a queue (most of the time) you see couples and parents with kids going in, meaning that the shop can be "full" with only 2/3 households shopping.

Equally, people don't seem to have their act together (with a list) so they are backtracking round the isles and causing chaos getting items they have forgotten or spending ridiculous amounts of time deciding which "bread" to buy out of that available because their usual is out of stock and holding up that isle for 5 mins or more.

My final bugbear (yes I'm being a bit grumpy today) is once in the shop people are seeing people they know and having a (albeit distanced) chat. One that they could have outside whilst other people are waiting to do their shopping (and the people behind them in the shop who can't move from their isle to the next).

Fortunately I've seen today they have finally put up a sign saying no groups I.e. one person per household shopping, please chat outside and be organised and make a list to keep the "flow" around the shop so hopefully that will improve things.

the same as people taking their children with them not the same at all if you consider single parents.

Fact it many people want to find a loop hole in the guidance to do as they please - much with exercise.

when my boyfriend went to tesco yesterday he said there was a couple with a baby in front of him and when they were told that only one would be allowed in, the man went back to the car and the woman took the baby in the shop

Yes I appreciate single parents may need to take their kids with them - absolutely fine, however my experience is listening on the queue to parents talking with child/children about what Mum/Dad wanted, getting home the other parent or even talking on the phone about the queue size etc so not the case.

My presumption is they are single parents but to date I've been proven wrong.

Just seen a Sainsbury’s TV advert about the changes they are making, including the one per couple in the shop. Hopefully it will mean the queues move quicker and it feels safer in the shop with less people around.

I go in with my partner, as I'm his carer. I make sure he wears his sunflower lanyard.

Tbh I have considered taking 1yo dd with me as she's a nightmare stuck at home and is desperate to go out. I'm pretty sure we have both had it now anyway - but rules are rules and she doesn't need to go with me so I don't take her.