Cranky Old Crusty Harasses Karebear All Throughout Store, Frightens Her Kids

From Karebear:

So the other day I told you all about the evil little hellspawn. Well, lets go to the other side of the age chart and tell you about the crazy old man I encountered.

Who: Myself, two adorable Karebear cubs, Grump (old customer) and special guest appearance by Tank later on.

Where: Jewel, starting at the meat counter and ending in the freezer section.

And scene...

Decided to go food shopping at Jewel yesterday. I prefer to buy my meat there compared to the meat at Hellmart. My local Jewel happens to sit next to the local Bullseye, so that's where Tank ran off to, hoping to score on a birthday gift idea for the youngest Karebear cub. My local Jewel also has those carts with the play car attached to the front that my kids freaking adore because they think it's so super cool and they can pretend to be driving while I shop in some form of peace. And we just happened to score one!

Anyways, I made my way to the meat department. I had only been there for about 2 minutes trying to decide on which to make for dinner tonight: beef or pork. I had parked the cart right in front of me, out of the middle of the aisle (cause on the other side of the case was the chicken case) and had just looked forward for two reasons: make sure no one was there and to remind myself I need lunch meat, which happened to be right in front.

Like I said, I had been there no more than two minutes and had decided on something for dinner (got both beef and pork, can decide at home!) and was about to cross the aisle to get a thing of chicken when I realized an older man standing in front of me. I was going to leave my cart where it was, but after seeing the man standing there, I said, "Oh I'm sorry where you trying to get to the meat?" while in the process of moving said cart. I was polite, respectful, yadda yadda.

Grump huffed and said, "Well, yeah, your damn cart takes up half the aisle (false! was only blocking half of the beef, could of gotten to anything else easily). Stupid bitch should learn to keep her legs closed and stop popping out kids then you wouldn't have to take up half the damn store and be in everyone's way."

Now...hold the fuck up...I was there for two minutes. I was barely blocking much. I quickly moved my cart, so he could get to the blocked area. I was polite. I even apologized. And I am still trying to figure out how I was popping out kids when I only have two and they are four years apart.

After I picked out my chicken, I turned to him and said, "No reason to be a dick about it. Obviously you have a working voice, you could have easily asked me to move. Politely. And I would have." And I walked away, leaving him red in the face and muttering something about women needing to learn their place or some bullshit. (I could be wrong on what he said, I was trying to block him out, but that's what it sounded like he said.) I just went about the rest of my shopping.

Every time he was in the same aisle as me, Grump kept saying, "Guess I won't be getting anything from that shelf," meaning my cart was in his way. It wasn't really, I knew what I wanted and needed and hauled ass getting it all.

Tank finally showed back up once I hit the freezer aisle. Which is good since he is picky about what veggies he likes (rarely the same that I or the kids like). So we were stopping in front of the frozen veggie section. Cart in front of me, out of the middle of the aisle. Blocked about two doors to the freezer and we were trying to be quick. I was grabbing my broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot mix while Tank was grabbing his preferred veggies (corn, I think.) Weren't even there for more than a minute when my cart goes flying away from me. (Remember my little cubs were in the car part of it!) Grump had taken it upon himself to shove my cart out of his way rather than waiting half a second more or asking politely to move.

The cart didn't go straight very well on its own, so naturally it veered off and crashed into a door, causing my baby to hit her head on the plastic steering wheel. Crying began because it shocked her, she couldn't see me, etc etc. I rush over, my arms full of veggies, and Tank just says, "What the hell man?" Grump decided to take off now rather than get the product he was trying to get.

After calming the baby down, I filled Tank in on what happened and we went on our merry way to finish shopping. No idea where Grump disappeared to, figuring he bolted for the register or something. Apparently he didn't because he showed up again behind us while we were at the registers. He didn't say anything to us there, but instead took to eyeballing Tank and glare at me.

Sorry, Grump, I haven't learned to balance a cart on top of my head just yet. I thought I was doing good parking the cart to the side rather than in the middle of the aisles. Guess not. :(

(Now really, did I do anything wrong? I must know for my next trip to the store. I know those carts with the special seats are bigger than most carts, but I never had issues with them before. If I wasn't doing such a heavy shopping trip, I would have just used a normal cart, but these let me put more in the bucket and seat and I don't have to worry about my kids running around crazy otherwise.)

--Karebear

Comments

[Diane]

Of course you didn't, Karebear. There is physically no way to avoid blocking something when you're shopping with a cart. All you can do is what you did - block as little as possible, move as quickly as you can (consonant with getting what you came for) and being polite. Jerkface Grump was just a Grump, one of those people made to be ignored.

Except, of course, when he shoved your cart with your kids in it. Then you take him out, messily.

[AnnoyedWithYou]

The only thing they had when my son was younger was a smaller version of the shopping cart with a long flag on it so the child could be seen. My son loved it and he was pretty good about staying where he was supposed to.

I have to admit there are days I find the car/carts annoying, mostly when I'm on my "lunch break" and everyone single one is being used... and of course the parents don't take as good care as you do to make sure they aren't blocking anyone/anything. (Working as an EMT we have 12 hour shifts and don't get to take a 30 minute lunch, so I usually run into the grocery store and grab food-if we can find a minute or two because our pagers can go off at anytime- so hopefully you can understand the slight frustration) That being said, I've never made a big stink about them and if they happen to be in my way I politely ask if I can sneak in. Nine times out of ten I get the, "Sure, I'm sorry." But it sounds like this guy was just a flat out douchewaffle.

[AnnoyedAsMuchAsYouAre]

Ack I just realized my username sounds like I'm upset with the original poster, I meant it as annoyed-along-side-of-you AKA I feel your pain. Sorry about that!

[The Last Archimedean]

Grump needs to get over himself. You did exactly the right thing.

[Avilator]

If that guy had the audacity to move a cart with my kids in it, the next thing he would see would be the floor.

[Karebear]

@Annoyed: I try to be aware of my surroundings when I use those type of carts. If I am doing a light shopping trip, I won't bother with them because my son will just walk with me for a few minutes. I have no problem moving out of the way for someone who happens to be in a rush or wants to quickly grab something while I sit there and dwell on my choices. I also try to go early in the morning during the week when others are at work/sleeping, so I generally encounter the blue haired group (most of them are sweet and gush over my children).

@Avilator: Tank told me he nearly did, but was worried about breaking the guy and/or killing him. (Not really actually do it, but the thought crossed his mind.)

[Techtyger]

The only thing you did wrong was to not have Tank kill him and hang his body from the front of the store as a warning to others. :P

[photoslave]

Ah HELL no! If that had been any of my nieces or my nephew in that cart, Old Fart would have been on the floor. I don't care how old you are, you do NOT put someone's kids in danger unless you want shit to go down.

[M]

Based on your story it doesn't sound like you did anything wrong, but you get in enough "situations" that it makes me wonder if maybe you're giving off bad vibes or something. Not to mention the fact that you're boyfriend seems to always be looking for a fight.

[an_on]

Karebear, you did what you could, the only thing I might have done is after he moved your cart - with your kids tucked in - is go to a manager, because if he's done that to your kids, he'll do it to/ have done it to others, and that's a no-no, regardless. Personally I'd have like to see him banned.

And @M. Totally disagree with you, but seeing as how this is a site where you share your hell-stories I think perhaps you have just gotten the wrong idea. Kare here shares like the rest of us do...primarily the nightmares. She doesn't give off vibes and Tank is NOT looking for a fight, he is protective of the people he cares for.

[Nomnom]

Well lots of things do seem to happen to Karebear. I mean compared to me - I've never seen a custy lose their shit ever when I was out shopping. Tank, however, never seems to be spoiling for a fight. Tank is glorious.

[CharlieWhiskyMike]

Karebear you did everything right and if other people have the same common sense like you (which i assume after your posts) the world would be much better.
This obnoxious walking corps insultet you and scared your children. I would gone after the first incident to manager to complain.
Karebear, it seems to me you need more self confidence that your behaviour is right and your claims are legitimated. Maybe could your next in laws or Tank give you positive feedback. It is not your duty to soothes grumpy peoples mood with perfect behavior. It is their duty to behave in an approbiate way. If he was to impatient to wait one or two minutes he could have asked after one second if you can move your cart with your children.

[Mrs. Lovett]

The grump sounds like one of those nasty, miserable people who like to complain and are always looking for the opportunity to be "wronged." If you were the actual problem in this story, he probably would have skipped the aisles you were in and come back to them later, or just plain ignored you, like any rational person would have done. I've got the feeling he picked up a lot of things that he never really wanted in the first place just so he could claim you were in his way. It truly pains me that there are people who are actually like that, but I've met a few.

Karebear, you sound like an awesome person and mother, and Tank sounds like a dream. Don't let awful people like this guy make you doubt yourself. They're the ones with the problem, not you. Just keep doing what you're doing.

[LSinNW]

First of all, he did have a working voice. An "Excuse me" and you would have been out of the way. So, he is rude.
Secondly, those carts are huge! Did he really think the cart was going to get smaller as he followed you around the store? Sounds to me like that guy has a screw loose and purposely being a dick.
I'm sorry your baby got hurt. Anyone who would try and hurt a young child is definitely unbalanced!!
You did an awesome job mom!

[Cat]

The fact that he kept 'running into you' says that he wanted to. I've had trouble with cart people with annoying spawn and I then head to different aisles until it's safe. They get an initial glare (their kids should not be wandering freely, and darting right in front of me), and then I try to avoid them. I don't keep meeting them because...I avoid them.

[BassLady]

Hm, hurrr... Mama Bear's hackles are up. You did absolutely NOTHING wrong, Karebear. That old fart was lookin for an easy target that didn't fight back. I'm so sorry he picked you! X-(
Wow, I dunno what I'd do in this situation. If the crusty ol' bastard was within arm's reach, you can bet he'd have a face-full of pepper spray. Or my fist. 'Cause you do NOT mess w/ my cubs!

Damn, some people...
You know, numb-nuts like him do count on the fact that most women are too "nice" to make a scene & tell him to back the hell off. I'm not saying be rude, but that fool was totally asking for you to scream your head off for accosting you & assaulting your cubs!

From one Mama Bear to another, ya did good!

[Boho]

Haha got some dumb, violent people up in here: "I would knock his old ass out." yeah, because you being in jail for battery is real good for you children. Fun fact: battery to senior citizens is automatically upgraded to aggravated battery, a much more serious crime.

[Dan]

Tank deserves some sort of prize for self-control. If it had been me, as soon as the child started crying the man would have found himself scattered across half the store. The store would have to spend the next week scrubbing bits of him out of the fixtures.

[Bitch Boy]

1) Assault charges (assault on a minor)
2) Stalking charges
3) Verbal sexual harassment (abuse)

[Bored at the Bookstore]

Oh boy. Once upon a time, I would have done my best to avoid a guy like that... nowadays, I'm older and meaner. His first comment would've drawn a sharp "Watch your mouth, Mister - there are children present!" And if he touched my cart and hurt or scared my babies, I would have been calling 911. That's assault and battery!

Scream - good and loud - for help, for a manager, for the cops. As my dad used to say, "You have every right to swing your fist, but that right ends when you contact anotehr person."

As for the comment by M that bad things seem to happen to and around you, I think they happen to everyone - but here we have an opportunity to air our grievances. After all, how interesting would this site be if all that was posted was "I met the nicest woman today - she patted my kids on their heads and bought us all ice cream cones because it was her birthday," or "At work today, my boss and co-workers were all mentally present-and-accounted-for, and did all of my work, so that I could have a nice rest."

This is where we can share our woes (thank you, Freddy!) and commiserate with those who are likewise sharing. Sometimes it's good to know that We Are Not Alone in a world of weird, sometimes hurtful, happenings.

[Staceywacey]

I'm going to chime in and agree with the people who said you should have gone to a manager after that asshat frightened your kids. I'm a relatively patient and easy going person, so I probably would have taken the snide and rude remarks, but pushing your cart, which he knew had your children in it, more than crossed the line.

I'm glad your kiddos are okay, though.

[Sales Agent Guy]

Seriously, how did this bastard not get banned? If I saw him doing something like that at my store, I'd report him to my manager instantly. The fact he hurt a young child is total bullshit!

[ThatFatGuy]

the only thing you did wrong was not informing the staff of his behavior, he injured a child deliberately

[Jami]

I would've called the cops on him myself. Other than that you did nothing wrong. He's just upset cause he can't get it up even with a buttload of Viagra and a crane.

[Retail Jockey]

He was out of line! And your child was hurt. Oh my God I would have chased him down and pounded his face in. Now one has the right to touch your child and that includes the cart they're sitting in!
There's a special place in hell for people who are needlessly cruel towards children.

[The Worst]

I'm not sure how you kept yourself from punching that asshat in the head and asking him how he likes a bump on the head, but congrats on your self control.

[NC Tony]

I have to chime in and agree that it would have taken every ounce of self control I had to not punch this old custo-monster right in his face. However, during the verbal abuse phase, I would have given just as good as I got, because I'm fluent in sarcasm.

"Guess I won't be getting anything from that shelf,"
"Yeah, I guess you won't. Sucks to be you."

My son loved those car-carts when he was younger (he's 12 now, so he's outgrown them), and to be fair those things to tend to be wider than your average cart, but it sounds like you were doing everything you could to keep out of the way. This guy was just a custo-monster and is lucky he was able to leave the store under his own power.

[Jane]

I appreciate that you were doing everything you could to not block things... except not using a giant cart in the first place. I mean, it's a store, not a playground. The kids will live with not having a giant toy to ride in - lord knows we all did when growing up.

[Fingers]

@Jane Walking a spawnlet past the 'fun' cart for the 'boring' cart is so unfair. I get if it's busy, you avoid the larger and bulkier cart but otherwise, it's fun for the kids and it doesn't take anything extra out of your time to really maneuver with it.
From the sounds of it, this grumpo would have badgered her even if she had had a regular cart to begin with anyways. Carts take up space and it is always in everyone's best interest to be polite when needing to get around someone regardless of whether the offensive cart is large, small, full or empty. You definitely don't touch their cart if they're attended, especially when there are children inside it. This grumpo thought the world owed him, apparently.

But nah, manager up next time. I would have made a real stink.

[Humor_Me]

That guy just boils me. Those carts didn't come around until after my kids were grown, but I can see how ungainly they could be. Mobility carts are their own brand of hell. I'll tell you that if he had shoved my kid into a case, he just might have "accidentally" tripped over my cane while I was calling the cops. That guy is a complete asshat. How Tank kept from wiping the floor with him is beyond me. Perhaps the old fart was jealous because they didn't have those carts when he was a kid.

[Su Chan]

You did nothing wrong and everything right, he probably was getting off on abusing you.

Probably best thing to do would be to do straight to a manager and make a complaint. If he's abusing people and hurting kids, he should be banned permanently, and possibly charged with assault.

The incident will have been recorded on CCTV, if the store is large enough.

[Not Perfect]

Of course you did nothing wrong; the fact that you didn't deck him out, that's saintly.