The Host

If you are running errands with a co-worker or a friend or some other random person where the store you are shopping at is your "regular" store, you are the HOST. Therefore, the key thing to do is to drive the cart. You know the store; they do not. This is imperative if you are on a time limit, such as lunch hour (not lunch two-hour.....) or are ADD or are not particularly fond of your shopping partner (this tends to be the case at the holidays....). Providing directions to someone who is not used to the store can be frustrating. And if they are easily distracted by "shiny objects" [picture Dory from 'Nemo' here], you will have a hard time keeping them on task. It is amazing how extra items appear in the cart at the checkout counter!

Oh, and if they do grab the cart first, you can try to take it back during the walk-through time, but this is not a guarantee of gaining control. Take control from the get-go! Worse-case, if you are non-confrontational, then practice GYOC: get your own cart. You can at least play "follow the leader" and be in and out as soon as possible.

You may be asking, "Why is this such an important thing?" Well, some of us are fast and efficient shoppers. We are not browsers. We like to take a list and get in & out ASAP. Browsing is for the days when the kids are at practice and it is too hot or too cold to sit and watch them (kids will tend to get annoyed and/or hurt by this, but it probably helps build character). Or when you are avoiding going home (insert your own reasons here) or are extremely early to a party because Mapquest told you it would take 42 minutes and you were there in 15...... Sorry, I digress.

Remember: BE THE HOST