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Standing in front of the display case of yogurt, I was pondering whether or not I should buy some. Usually it is on my list, but I’d checked the stock in the fridge before I left for my weekly shopping expedition. We had enough to get us through the week. I didn’t really need it, but I had a price match this week. (Yes, I do shop at a super center Walmart and I do price match when the savings is greater than a dime.) I could save fifteen cents on each container. That’s a pretty good savings.
So, as I was eyeing the flavor choices, a man carrying an empty shopping basket walked up to the case. He approached confidently, but then as he surveyed the shelves of all the yogurt choices, his face grew paler and a slight look of panic took over.
“Oh my, there’s a lot of yogurt! I’ll never find the right kind for my wife. I’ve never bought yogurt before,” he said to me.
“I always send my husband with a picture on his phone. Maybe she could send you a picture,” I replied.
He pulled out a piece of paper and began to read from it, “Low fat, Great Value, four pack, banana cream pie.” Immediately, I knew what he wanted. I reached up and handed him exactly what he’d read. “Oh thank you! You’ve saved me a lot of time.”
“No problem,” I said as I rolled my cart down the aisle. He quickly reached up and grabbed another four pack of the same yogurt. I guess he didn’t want to be caught short on banana cream pie yogurt this week.
elsie tries writing 
Thank heaven you were there for the banana cream pie guy. And you gave me an idea for how to get what I want when I send my sons to the grocery store. They often come home with “interesting” items!
I love how you helped out a fellow shopper and he took two to stock up on, maybe incase you aren’t there next time.
I love those people moments!
Oh my, that flavour yoghurt sounds delicious, is it? Does it taste as good as it sounds and how many flavours do you have? You must have that lovely face of a person that looks so kind and helpful Elsie. I feel like yoghurt now. All I have is a simple honey one. Ill have banana with it. Great slice. 🙂
P.S. Thank you for all the comments you’ve left my kids! It’s so special to be able to tell them, “my blogging friend, who lives all the way in Missouri…” 🙂
Haha, I bet he was glad he met you! A cute slice!
The decisions that go into the most mundane tasks…what a perfect snapshot of how learning is socially mediated!
What a great snap of a small moment in your day Elsie. That man you encountered was having a ‘first’ and you were there to share it. Who would have thought that buying yoghurt (Australian spelling) would inspire such a special moment. Supermarket observations would make for a great little book…
I really couldn’t think of anything original to say that hasn’t already been said. I’d probably feel the same way he did if I were in a hardware store searching for a particular kind of nail, or tool…..
Funny! I feel overwhelmed by yogurt sometimes too. Not sure why since I always buy the same flavours. But those flavours are available in so many brands and I am always looking for the lowest price.
I guess this is why hubby and I do the grocery shopping together – he gets the items he wants/needs and I get to choose the right kind of yogurt and ice cream! Lucky guy that you were there.
Very nice! I can just see this poor guy worrying about the right yogurt. Did you get your choice of yogurt?
Yes, I did pick up a few flavors for me too. After all I had a price match. 🙂
I love how you took the ordinary and brought a smile to my face. Being kind. Tools to equip our students to be productive citizens. And, I love that you price check. Savings is our friend.
So glad you were there to save him! I know how he feels though…whenever I go grocery shopping in the states I am so overwhelmed by all the choices. It takes me forever to find what I want. Even though America has everything you could ever want, I have to say I love the simplicity of having fewer choices. 🙂
It was great that you were able to help. I once sent a pic of a particular tea to my hubby, and on that only occasion I have ever sent a pic, this tea was out of stock.
I can imagine my hubby in the same spot, and I hope someone steps in to advise! Your description put me right there, with the two of you…examining the yogurt selection. Loved it!
Got a chuckle Elsie when I read your story. Can just see the glazed eyes of the man and his inability to find the right yogurt. You saved the day!
Don’t you just love it when this happens . . . helping people in the grocery store is sometimes very serious business!
With all the choices and brands out there food shopping is no easy task. Luckily you were there to lend an helping hand.
Thank goodness for you! I know a lot of men who have photos when they shop!
Great idea to take pictures! I’ll have to remember that. I could picture everything just the way it happened. This is a true slice showing how offering assistance can connect us to someone. I’m sure you made his day and that he will be thinking of you the next time he gets stumped at the grocery store, wishing you were there.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time, Elsie. You saved this guy!
Just read Donna’s comment . . . I’m always stumped at the toothpaste aisle and I hate it if I get the wrong one. Time to take a pic of my current tube. Elsie, you were in the right place at the right time. Lucky shopper and lucky us for this chance to be with you in the yogurt aisle.
He’ll be talking about you for a while, Elsie, and so will his wife! It is daunting if someone has never tried to choose a yogurt. Your good deed will be appreciated!
I’ve seen people on the phone at the grocery store and I’ve silently judged them as indecisive. It never occurred to me that they were sent with very specific instructions and that they might be seeking clarification.Your post has given me a new perspective.
That’s great! I think we are put in places for just those purposes – to help someone else. You just made his day. Great slice – thank you.
Ha! That’s great! I take pictures of grocery items also. So much easier than having to write it all out. But even better is having a “yogurt specialist” in the aisle with you! I’ve stood in front of the toothpaste with other people before as we all scan and scan to find the exact one needed, and we often start laughing together. There’s nothing like a grocery aisle to bring people together!