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Did you just cut in line in front of me? Oh no you di'int!

Taking cuts in line. Not sharing on the school yard. When is it right? 

I was standing in line ready to check out at a local store—which I'll call Trader Jose's—when, out of nowhere, a woman attempted to squeeze by me. She couldn't until I was literally forced by her body to move.  She proceeded to slide her atm/cc before she even put down her items.  The cashier looked up at me with a "what-should-I-do" expression, all the while scanning this woman's items.  

No, the woman did not say a word or look at me. She turned and walked away with her bag.  The cashier sheepishly greeted me, uncertain of my reaction.  At that moment, I felt disheartened and curious about why that woman thought that pushing me to the side and "taking cuts" was acceptable. 

A simple "Do you mind if I go ahead of you?" works wonders.   

What would you do?

Rosalinda Oropeza Randall is an etiquette consultant who owns Your Relationship Edge in which she teaches classes and presents workshops to a variety of audiences. She can be reached at rosalinda@yourrelationshipedge.com and her website is www.yourrelationshipedge.com. She can also be reached on Facebook

Alfonso Esqueda March 30, 2012 at 03:17 pm
You obviously have an issue with bullies. You simply coward away. And that's one of the things that is wrong with society. We simply.let the the bullies get away with simple things that we don't stand up for. People look for simple solutions instead of facing fear. You'd be amaze how much more empowerment our society would have if we weren't so afraid to stand up for what is right. Next time ....put ur items in her reciept. Obviously she would be willing to pay for your items if she takes your place in line. And if she had an issue...get in thier face and get ghetto.
Joe Capote March 30, 2012 at 03:21 pm
That does seem quite rude. My question is, If someone is really that intent on getting in front of you in line that they are willing to physically move you, are you stooping to her level by getting into a verbal or physical confrontation?
Maria Pia March 30, 2012 at 03:21 pm
The polite way would have been to say/remind her....the line is behind me.
I'm surprised Traitor Jose associate allowed that to happen. If I have a lot of items I usually let the person behind w/ one or two items go ahead but not if I've been waiting "forever"....you the ones that don't have their "stuff" together.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 03:28 pm
Alfonso, in essence I agree with some of your points. We do look the other way for fear of repercussions. And, I have politely informed 'cutters' where the end of the line was, however, this particular incident was so quick, that I was caught off guard; standing in disbelief. Getting ghetto can be effective, but it can also cause the minor incident to escalate. Thank you for much for posting and for sharing your view point.
Imelda Hernandez March 30, 2012 at 03:30 pm
I totally agree with Alfonso. People behave this way because they get away with it. I have had this experience many times and it is usually the cashier who will say something while everyone else is shooting daggers with their eyes. People are just rude, mean, and full of rage and behavior like this is just asking for an excuse for them to unleash. We need to stand our ground, but at the same time, you never know when someone is going flip out and do something crazy like come out with a gun!
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 03:31 pm
I do believe that the Trader Jose's staff member could have spoken out as Maria Pia states. Sometimes the younger staff members aren't sure or perhaps confident enough to speak up.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 03:33 pm
Thank you Maria. As you stated, most people are willing to allow others to go ahead when they are with a fussy child, an elderly person, or they seem to be in a hurry.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 03:38 pm
Yes, Imelda...it is a risk to speak up today. I guess we all have to make that call, ghetto, let it go, or as politely as we can in that moment of rage, point out the offense. Thank you for posting.
Alfonso Esqueda March 30, 2012 at 03:45 pm
The risk u take is the freedom you will earn. The freedom of fear.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 03:48 pm
Alfonso,
...a very though-provoking statement. Thank you.
Kathy Cole March 30, 2012 at 04:37 pm
I was also a person that would step back and not say anything. But, as I've gotten older and wiser, I will stand my ground. I will also let another go ahead of me, or give up my seat. But I won't stand for blatant rudeness. I will also come to the defense of another that I feel is being treated wrong.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 04:43 pm
Simplistic, but, "Right on" Kathy.
Heidi Beck March 30, 2012 at 04:56 pm
This just happened to me yesterday at another venue. There were two other people in line in front of me -- and then her, when she barrelled in front of me. I said pretty loudly, and with a big question mark and surprise in my voice, "Excuse me?" She turned around and shot daggers with her eyes, but got behind me. After a few moments she sighed loudly, put down her basket and stomped out of the store. And just as she was stomping away, a clerk came out to open another register.
Hey, if you are in a hurry, just ask -- most people will oblige.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 30, 2012 at 04:58 pm
Hmm, Heidi...same woman; was she blonde?
Maria Pia March 30, 2012 at 05:36 pm
LOL ~
Heidi Beck March 31, 2012 at 12:31 am
Haha, no. Not the same in looks but the same in spirit, I guess. It's sad -- I suppose she was just having a bad day and was really stressed, but that kind of behavior just feeds on itself. If she'd been a little calmer and waited a couple of deep breaths, she would have been in line when the next register opened and would have taken care of her errand. Instead, she left the store in a huff -- so she wasted her time and didn't get her errand done, which is probably going to make her even more stressed out and aggressive.
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall March 31, 2012 at 12:47 am
“Good manners sometimes means simply putting up with other people's bad manners.” -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Greg March 31, 2012 at 04:28 pm
I am the older guy at the movies who tells parents to keep their kids quiet during an adult movie. Unless we are raised by wolves, we all know was is right behavior. I expect the store staff to do their job and intervene. If I have to, I am prepared to have it get ugly, which it can. I just let the person know I'm calling 911 as someone is about to go to the hospital, that's all. I've been thanked by the staff and other customers afterward, that's all I know..
Rosalinda Oropeza Randall April 1, 2012 at 01:18 pm
Dear Greg (aka: Older Guy),
Thank you. I enjoyed reading the calm, cool, and collected manner in how you warn the offenders.
frank April 2, 2012 at 11:40 pm
I just scream out...."HEY LADY! I'M AHEAD OF YOU, GET OUT OF MY WAY!", then I'll sort of twitch and act like I'm going to pass out......works every time....what can I say? I'm not from around here....
Jimmy A. Rodriguez Lopez April 24, 2012 at 07:51 am
The correct response is to scream "Hey, DON"T BUTT!"...then hit them in the head with a wrench and run for your car before someone calls the cops. Of course you miss out on whatever you were standing in line for but the point is really driven home and helps dissuade other potential cutters' endeavors. See the movie 'Super' for a visual example.

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