The grocery store line debate: letting someone with one item go ahead

I was at the Safeway on 5th yesterday with a full cart, and the person behind me only had a loaf of bread. I let them go first, which felt right. But my friend says that's not fair to the people behind me, and you should just wait your turn. It's a small thing, but it changed how I see checkout lines now. What's your take on letting someone with way less stuff cut in line?

2 comments

2 Comments

averywright2d ago

I used to think like your friend, but seeing it as a small act of kindness changed my mind. It just makes the whole line move faster anyway.

gray_roberts2d ago

Wait, so @averywright says it makes the line move faster, but does it really? If I'm third in line and the first person lets someone cut, I'm still waiting for two transactions. Isn't the real issue whether the person behind you even wants to go ahead? Maybe they're in no rush and your move just makes it awkward.