Considering most of us go to the supermarket at least once a week, we should be pretty good at it. Yet, does it seem each time as if you are doing it for the first time? Do you go into a trance at the choice of thirst-pocket kitchen roll or spend too much time trying to do the sums on all those coffee offers?
Even if the lights and the music bring out your zombie side, try to think of others as you drift about. Don’t block the “reduced” section by standing in front of it forever feeling up the cut-price fillet steak. Let others get a bargain too.
Yes, of course you want the freshest food possible, just don’t go upsetting full displays by digging around at the back to get the last possible sell-by date.
It’s okay to ask a tall person to reach up for that last box of cereal on the top shelf, but ladies, don’t try to get all chummy with the shelf-stackers, particularly late in the evening. That just comes across as a bit sad.
Supermarkets can be sociable but not everyone wants to chat, especially if they are in their pyjamas. If you see a friend looking into the middle distance, let them pass. If you must stop and chat, resist the urge to examine their trolley and judge.
Do not venture into a queue for baskets with 10 items or fewer if you have 15 or even 12. People can count and they will hate you.
Finally, shopping usually involves a monetary transaction, so get your money or card ready. All that foraging around in your handbag will make even more people dislike you, especially if you start producing money-off tokens that won’t scan.