Responding 02
A Trip to the Store
Read The Summary:
You planned a quick trip to the store to grab just a few items—milk, bread, and some fruit. The store is usually quiet at this time of day, and you thought it would only take 10 minutes. When you arrive, though, things don’t go as smoothly as expected. The parking lot is full, and once you get inside, the lines are surprisingly long. You grab your basket and move quickly, but people keep stopping in the aisles, blocking your way. After searching for bread for nearly five minutes, you find out the shelf is empty. You check your phone and see that your family has already sent you three new requests: eggs, juice, and cereal. Now your “quick trip” has turned into a much longer one. You stand in the crowded checkout line, frustrated and tired, holding a basket that feels heavier by the minute. To make it worse, you realize you forgot to bring reusable bags, and you don’t have many coins for extras. You pull out your phone to send a text about how your short trip has turned into an endless wait.
Read Your Text:
“I thought this would take 10 minutes, but I’ve been here for half an hour already. The store is packed, and I’m still stuck in line.”
Read or Listen to Their Response:
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize it would be that crowded. Thanks for picking everything up anyway. If it’s too much trouble, just forget about the cereal—I don’t want you waiting forever. Are you okay to stay in line, or do you want to come home and we’ll figure it out later?”
How would you respond?
