When we’re single, there is always a romantic notion attached to the ideals of coupledom, and all the things we could do as a couple. Neglecting the mundaneness of life …
Catching up with paired up friend/s, and them … showing wonderful holiday snaps (fuels) a tinge of envy that we are not at that stage ourselves?
But what many couples fail to highlight are the mundaneness of life. Like grocery shopping . That – is barely a fairytale like.
But what if I told you that – a couple is put to the test when they are inside a supermarket or some meat emporium?
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“How are we going to feed ourselves for the week?”
He looks at my arms cuddling the four grocery items that wouldn’t even make one complete meal. A gozleme (just heat on a sandwich press) perfect! A duck salami, lamb kofta and venison (what the man requested). “Where’s the chicken? I told you to buy chicken?” He pipes up.
“What chicken? You never mentioned chicken?”
“I told you! Venison and chicken?”
“What the hell is all this?!”
A sheepish look enters the scene “ummm … they looked delicious”
the cashier. Looking on as we squabble back and forth
“What chicken? You didn’t mention chicken?” I honestly didn’t hear him mention chicken. Or did I have selective hearing? Maybe the latter.
“Three times, I mentioned chicken!”
“I told you about our meal plan and I asked you to go and pick up chicken and venison. What is all this other stuff?” Him. “Slightly” miffed.
Was I supposed to pay close attention to “his meal plans?”
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So … if you love someone, do consider doing the shopping separately. Put a shopping list on the fridge and each can cross it off. At most, you’ll end up with double the items needed. Saves you from another trip to the supermarket I suppose?
And if you’re single … vet them at the supermarket. No one can hide their true feelings when life forces you to do such mundane and repetitive tasks like the one mentioned above.
The mild hostility is real and the romance (just for a split second) is all but gone.
As a couple – That Goddamn chicken that was meant to be in the stir fry has now overtaken the relationship, like a small child crying for your attention. Conflict of interest is real. Like – I… I’m more interested in those meals that you just heat. But he … he wants the nutrition and is counting (I don’t know what?)
I … I’m more interested in that cheese and crackers. He is laser focused and staying within (food) budget. Before you fall for anyone, go and test your relationship inside a supermarket. It will save you so much heartache.
If the meal plans don’t match and the budget gets blown. For some guys, the love will cease to exist. Like candles on a cake. So – do your research prior to committing.
Those tears are better off else where than the supermarket.
Yours truly. The one who now suffers from supermarket trauma.
A ruminating Heart 