If you’re in a hurry and you know the mall will be crowded with holiday shoppers like me, wouldn’t it make more sense for YOU to shop before the Christmas season gets underway? Not only could you avoid the crowds, but more inventory would be in stock, and the credit card processing would be less congested.

And as for strollers, I only take issue with the double wides (you know, the side by side.) Lord knows if you have multiple small children, trying to keep an eye on them without one in a store would be near impossible.

No, I live one floor up, but only about an hour.

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>I don’t have Kroger, but the grocery store where I do shop states how many items are appropriate for self checkout.

Limiting the number of items we totally agree on. Buying alcohol is where we disagree. I often go in for JUST a case of beer and use self checkout.

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>Clearly you are a person who thinks the world revolves around you and your shopping “needs.”

Not at all actually. However, if a merchant accepts a check and that works best for my particular purchase, I’m going to use it. For instance, if I’m purchasing an expensive computer system and I don’t want to use a credit card that charges me 18%. Sure, I have a debit card, but there are transaction limits per day. In this instance, am I going to whip out $3000 in cash? Not a chance. This was an issue just recently actually. I purchased a couple computer systems at Best Buy to give away at a Christmas party. Waaaay over the debit card limit and no CHANCE it’s going on an interest loaded credit card. Company check was the way to go. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going out writing a check for a loaf of bread or anything. But I like to keep my options open. As a side note, who banned checks? I’m curious, because in the rare instance that I do use them, I’ve never had an issue.

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> But no one needs a double-wide stroller in the mall. Have your children walk, hold your hand, or have a less intrusive method of navigation.

I have three children under the age of three, what would you recommend?

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>Shopping during the holidays doesn’t resemble anything close to relaxation.

That’s exactly what’s wrong with Christmas these days. I enjoy shopping and choosing the right gift. I take my time and I know the mall will be busy before I leave the house. To me, it’s very relaxing AND rewarding getting just the right gift for just the right person. How is my ‘meandering’ carry any less weight than your being ‘in a rush’? You’re being in a rush would be just as inconvenient as your being in a hurry :-). I’m not that guy who stands in the middle of the aisle and picks my nose or anything. But I’m certainly not speed walking and if I want to stop and look at an item for a few minutes, there is nothing wrong with that :-).

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You have a nice website here. Contrary to my opposing opinion, I enjoyed your post.

However, do you live in Ohio, because I’m about 95% positive that is what our right of way law is regarding two way stops. I’ll check with my policemen father and stepfather on this later.

Do you like making a bunch of people stand around waiting while someone has to come check your ID? You don’t mind the glares of the 20 people behind you boring a hole into the back of your head? I don’t have Kroger, but the grocery store where I do shop states how many items are appropriate for self checkout.

Ditto with the check. Clearly you are a person who thinks the world revolves around you and your shopping “needs.” During the holidays, for everyone’s sake it’s my opinion you should do everything in your power to make shopping as quick and painless for those around you as possible. Plus the check systems go down even more than the credit card systems. No one wants to stand behind you while you fill out your check, and the cashier writes all the information from your ID down. There’s a reason so many places have stopped taking these outdated things.

Of course there should be an exception for people who need scooters, wheelchairs etc. They have as much right to shop anyone. And I think people should bring their children everywhere, (provided they’re a good parent) because this is how children learn to behave and act in public. But no one needs a double-wide stroller in the mall. Have your children walk, hold your hand, or have a less intrusive method of navigation. The aisles in the mall stores are not meant to accommodate you and your traveling bigness, and block other customers from getting around.

Shopping during the holidays doesn’t resemble anything close to relaxation, and your meandering is probably a huge inconvenience to everyone else shopping in the same stores/standing in the same lines as you. Suck it up and don’t be the shopping jerk.

Tipping less than 25% is totally appropriate when your service is poor.

Incorrect. The person who arrives first has the right away unless cross traffic would prevent that person from turning left. In that case only, the other driver is clear to make a right hand turn. Otherwise, the person turning left would have to sit through an entire line of cars. While laws do vary state to state, this is the most common application.

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>If you are buying alcohol and someone has to come check your ID, don’t use it.

I’ll checkout wherever I like. Last time I looked, Kroger (or wherever you shop) makes the rules, not you. I frequently buy alcohol at the self checkout and will continue to do so :-).

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> Pay with a card, but always have cash just in case.

Thanks, but similar to above, I’ll use the form of payment I prefer. Cash, check, or charge are accepted by the store, and until THEY tell me otherwise, I’ll use what works best for me.

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>Take up as little room as possible, this means leave your double-wide stroller and rascall scooters at home.

Not a chance. I have children, they enjoy getting out of the house too. I’m spending money at the mall and they are coming with me. Should we ban wheelchairs too? Just because you are in a hurry doesn’t mean we all our. Your urge to rush bears no greater weight than my urge to relax.

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>Tip at least 25% or don’t go out to eat

Again, not a chance. I do tip 25-30% more often than not, but when I receive poor service it goes right down to 15%. If the service is non-existent it goes down to 0%. Those are the rules of the game. I’m not talking about a slow kitchen on a busy night either. I’m talking about servers who would rather hang out and chat on their cellphones then refill drinks.

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>Shut the hell up at the movies.

Totally agree on all counts.

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>If you can’t play nice I’ll throw you out of the sandbox.
Hmm, guess I’m probably out of here :-p.