6 minute read
Manology
It
’s no secret that grocery shopping—no matter who you’re with—is almost never fun. For men, we’re simply not interested. For me, I would often dread the time of the week when it came to getting groceries. Something about it just annoyed me to no end. My wife and I would decide that we needed groceries, and we would take off. I never liked the idea of spending that much money for just food, nor did I like shopping around other people at the grocery store. Having to deal with people only added to my anger and frustration.
After about a half hour of meandering down aisles and disagreeing on what to get, we would get mad at each other, annoyed with those around us, and the rest of the day would be ruined. Don’t call me crazy yet, I think this happens more than you think. Now, I know that there are men out there that don’t mind a good grocery store experience, but I would say they are a minority. Think of the last time you saw a couple at the grocery store. The woman will typically be with the cart, with the list in hand, while the man will be walking somewhere behind her hating life. Seriously think about it. You see that scenario all the time. Who says it has to be that way? Having your wife as a shopping partner need not be an ordeal. Here are 5 tips every man should know when grocery shopping with your wife (or significant other): 1. Make Your List Together We are men and we have to eat at some point. Am I right? This is the first crucial step to grocery store experience success! Gather with your wife in the kitchen and decide on your breakfast, dinner and lunch options. Say what you need or want out loud to each other and add it to the list. Surprises at the grocery store are never good (as they often end in conflict). Get the list done and agree to stick to it. Got coupons? If so, get to clipping and compare those to the list and use the ones you need. At this point you both agree on the food and therefore the expectations are established. 2. Go With Her If you have agreed on a list and you have a game plan, get in the car and go with her. Gentlemen, you can make this a good experience; it is within your power. Marriage is all about communication and teamwork, right? Consider these times together a test on how you will handle harder and more complicated decisions that will come. Work together.
3. Grab a ‘Pre-Game’ Snack
Upon arrival to the grocery store, find the bakery or the coffee shop and get something to
What Men Need to Know snack on. Trust me, this helps. Personally, I like to grab something in when Grocery ShoppingWith Their Wives the bakery. But if you’re a coffee drinker, have at it. Maybe go for a bag of chips and soda. Whatever it is, grab something small as soon as you get there. It will make you happier, it will calm you down, and it will take your focus off the store chaos. There is always chaos! 4. Make It Quick and Stick to the List In my experience, the longer you are at the the time of the week when store, the worse it gets. The tension starts to escalate, the emotions start to get crazy and that doughnut you ate was finished wife and I would decide that we needed way too long ago. Less is more, gentlemen. Work together. Someone take the cart and someone take the list. Mark things money for just food, nor did I like shop off the list as found and move to the next item. Ladies, if you’re reading this, men love to have a task. In a respectful way, try to get your man to find specific items as you look for the harder to find items. This After about a half hour of meandering will make him feel important and part of the team. If you have coupons, use them. get, we would get mad at each other, an noyed with those around us, and the rest Honestly, I don’t think they are worth the hassle (but that’s a story for another day). of the day would be ruined. Don’t call me 5. Watch the Total Go Down Got everything? Good! Get in line and get out of there! Want to really have fun? Make Now, I know that there are men out there shopping competitive and see who can that don’t mind a good grocery store ex save more money at the register. Give each perience, but I would say they are a mi other a high five. Load up the car and head home to enjoy some great food.
couple at the grocery store. The woman will typically be with the cart, with the list in hand, while the man will be walking somewhere behind her hating life. Seriously think about it. You see that scenario all the time. Who says it has to be that way? Having your wife as a shopping partner need not be an ordeal. Here are 5 tips every man should know when grocery shopping with your wife (or significant other): 1. Make Your List Together We are men and we have to eat at some point. Am I right? This is the first crucial step to grocery store experience success! Gather with your wife in the kitchen and decide on your breakfast, dinner and lunch options. Say what you need or want out loud to each other and add it to the list. Surprises at the grocery store are never good (as they often end in conflict). Get the list done and agree to stick to it. Got coupons? If so, get to clipping and compare those to the list and use the ones you need. At this point you both agree on the food and therefore the expectations are established. 2. Go With Her If you have agreed on a list and you have a game plan, get in the car and go with her. Gentlemen, you can make this a good experience; it is within your power. Marriage is all about communication and teamwork, right? Consider these times together a test on how you will handle harder and more complicated decisions that will come. Work together.
3. Grab a ‘Pre-Game’ Snack
Upon arrival to the grocery store, find the bakery or the coffee shop and get something to snack on. Trust me, this helps. Personally, I like to grab something in the bakery. But if you’re a coffee drinker, have at it. Maybe go for a bag of chips and soda. Whatever it is, grab something small as soon as you get there. It will make you happier, it will calm you down, and it will take your focus off the store chaos. There is always chaos! 4. Make It Quick and Stick to the List In my experience, the longer you are at the store, the worse it gets. The tension starts to escalate, the emotions start to get crazy and that doughnut you ate was finished way too long ago. Less is more, gentlemen. Work together. Someone take the cart and someone take the list. Mark things off the list as found and move to the next item. Ladies, if you’re reading this, men love to have a task. In a respectful way, try to get your man to find specific items as you look for the harder to find items. This will make him feel important and part of the team. If you have coupons, use them. Honestly, I don’t think they are worth the hassle (but that’s a story for another day). 5. Watch the Total Go Down Got everything? Good! Get in line and get out of there! Want to really have fun? Make shopping competitive and see who can save more money at the register. Give each other a high five. Load up the car and head home to enjoy some great food.
