Next in Line

[vp44]

I am wondering if all this time have I been doing the next in line all wrong. When in a line or on your way to a line a cashier opens up and says next in line please. I allowed the person whoever was next in line to go first and then I lined up behind them. There was this person who was 2 people behind that person who decided to go in front of me and I said excuse me are you with them and they said no I am next in line behind them. I said umm no you were not you were 2 people behind them and they the ones in front who was next said next in line means that everybody who was next in should be able to go first even though some of them did not. I said no next in line means the next person going next for cashing out is next in line not skipping through the line. I allowed this person to go anyways and I tried to explain that it is just common sense when you think about it and some respect. Well karma sure is something because this person held their item in their hand while mines was on the conveyer. The cashier was so distracted by this person that he started scanning my items. I tried to tell him it was my things but then he said I am already done then looked at that person and said sorry it seems I will have to ring her up then you. I laughed and said wow karma did not know it works that fast and the person was pissed and I kinda giggled and said have a nice day but the person just grunted. LOL How do any of you feel about the next in line and what does it really mean to you. I always have let the person next in line go first and then I would follow, but all these years have I been doing this wrong?

[kapeh12]

My interpretation is the same as yours, very common sense.  Next in line is the next sequential person in the original line, and so on down the line.  Now if someone ahead of you chooses not to move, then it goes to the next after that.  Basically keeping the same order you were in, not skipping ahead of someone that was in front of you.

To me, that's just common courtesy.

[Lindaroof]

I agree, it goes in the exact order of the person or persons waiting. But there will always be those rude people who feel they are entitled to jump on front of everyone else.

[Penwoir]

I definitely agree with you. The civilized approach would be to let whoever was next in line to take the new line, if they choose to do so (they might feel better off staying where they were). Then everybody else should follow in sync, choosing the new line or the old. However, I have seen occasions where a new line opening up has caused some people to lose all sense of reason and courtesy and they hurry to a new line like a jumble sale for Dolce & Cabana Sunglasses! Sometimes I stand back and think, if our mothers could see our behavior now!   

[melissaotto1982]

Im thinking the same way as you. I think people have just gotten rude of time thinking that they are the most important person and not worrying about anyone else.

[Nancy5]

I think the exact way you think.  There will always be people who push ahead no matter what.  There are always rude people.

[vickysue]

I live in a small town but have never seen so many rude people at the grocery store. And maybe I ought not say this , but have seen it over and over. I am usually pretty polite and if some person only has 1-2 items I will tell them to go ahead of me. Then here comes a whole bunch of them all together each with 1-2 items in the hands. all belong to the person I let get in front. Yep another etb family. Now I have just refused anyone that wants to get in line ahead of me with a couple of items. I also hate to stand in line while a welfare jerk is chewing out the cashier because they have to pay a couple of dollars. Yep insert foot in my mouth again. I will take up for the cashier every time.

[CharmedPhoenix]

Okay, if a new cashier opens up and says "next in line" I believe they're inviting the first person who hasn't already unloaded their cart onto the conveyor.  If they don't go they it should go up the line until someone goes. 

I understand why you were miffed, but isn't karma wonderful?  I've seen instant karma before, it's great. 

PS  All of us on assistance aren't 'jerks', many of us are disabled though the disability may not show.  Some of those 'jerks' may actually be suffering anxieties or personality disorders and need your compassion and understanding.  It can be a major act of courage to get out of the house, go to a store and interact with people.  How would Christ/Buddha, etc. handle it? 

[vp44]

Thanks all I was so wondering about this. I feel now I was not being inconsiderate of others.

[ancmetro]

   
      In some stores, there are not enough cashiers to take care of your transaction. I usually shop when the store is less crowded.