AITAH for leaving $600 worth of groceries in my cart and walking out of Walmart?
Waiting in line at a busy grocery store can test anyone’s patience, but when frustration mounts, some actions might seem justifiable in the moment—even if they lead to significant consequences. In this post, our OP recounts how he went grocery shopping with his three-year-old son while his wife was at an appointment. After spending over an hour gathering groceries, he found himself stuck at a self-checkout line with eight slots completely full and over ten people waiting.
Frustrated by the prospect of waiting an additional 45 minutes, and concerned about leaving his wife waiting too long, he took his child out of the cart and walked away, leaving behind $600 worth of groceries. His sister and wife criticized him for leaving behind perishables that, according to Walmart policy, cannot be returned to the shelves. Now, he’s asking: Am I the asshole?
‘AITAH for leaving $600 worth of groceries in my cart and walking out of Walmart?’
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist known for her work on everyday stress and relationship dynamics, explains, “It’s completely natural to feel frustrated in situations where you’re forced to wait for an unreasonable amount of time.
However, acting on that frustration by abandoning your responsibilities can lead to consequences that affect others. In this case, leaving behind a cart of groceries, especially perishables, not only wastes money but can also cause practical problems for the store and the people who helped shop with you.” (kidshealth.org) Family therapist Dr. Susan Johnson adds, “When emotions run high, it’s important to consider the broader impact of our actions.
While your frustration is understandable, walking away and abandoning a significant purchase without making alternative arrangements reflects a lack of accountability. Sometimes, taking a moment to communicate with your family or seeking help from store staff can defuse the situation and avoid such fallout.” Dr. Johnson emphasizes that while waiting in line is not fun, it’s rarely a justification for such a drastic measure, especially when others are affected by your decision.
Both experts agree that while everyday irritations are common, managing them constructively is key. The OP’s reaction, though born out of genuine frustration, ended up affecting not just himself but also his family’s finances and the store’s policies.
Check out how the community responded:
Many redditors empathize with the OP’s frustration at long wait times, noting that modern life often forces us to endure such inconveniences. However, they point out that abandoning a cart full of groceries is a hard no—“If you’re going to leave a $600 cart, you’re not only inconveniencing yourself, but also causing waste.”
Ultimately, while the OP’s frustration is understandable, the decision to walk away and abandon $600 worth of groceries—especially items that cannot simply be returned—appears to be an overreaction. The inconvenience of waiting in line does not justify the waste of resources and the subsequent fallout with family members.
What do you think? Should you always stick it out in long lines, or is it acceptable to prioritize your own time even if it means leaving behind a costly cart of groceries? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—what would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation?