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I Keep Overthinking My Trip to the Grocery Store

I had plans to go to the grocery store about six hours ago, but I keep overthinking it. This happens to me every time I have to go somewhere, but today my brain was extra strange. Some people actually just get in the car and go when they need to do something. Oh, not me. My brain needs to run through every random scenario and completely freak me out first.

Although this mental process exhausts me, it can also be quite entertaining. I mean, who thinks someone will run up and pull their pants down in the grocery store? It’s not gym class in grade school when kids thought it was funny to depants people. I am 37. It’s not going to happen in the produce section, Brain.

I Keep Overthinking My Trip to the Grocery Store

Trust me, it’s not like I keep overthinking because I have too much time on my hands, either. I had approximately 137 things I needed to do today, none of which involved this nonsense. And, I am aware that it is nonsense, but that doesn’t shut off my racing thoughts.

My brain when I am trying to go to the grocery store

I Keep Overthinking – Thoughts Before My Trip to the Grocery Store

  1. Which store should I go to?
  2. Should I cut coupons?
  3. What if I get into a car accident?
  4. Should I make a list?
  5. What if I am depantsed by someone?
  6. Maybe I shouldn’t wear these sweatpants.
  7. Crap, what do I even want to make for dinner?
  8. Ugh, I am sweating now.
  9. Last time my shopping cart broke, and I had to scrape it along the floor to get to the checkout. Everyone stared.
  10. The truck needs gas. I better take the car.
  11. Just go, dummy.
  12. I think I will take some preventative meds. This trip is bound to cause a headache.
  13. What if someone needs help, but it’s a trap and I am grabbed into a van and used as material for someone’s skin suit.
  14. I hope I don’t see anyone that I know.
  15. Remember when you grabbed someone else’s cart mid-way through shopping? Let’s relive that for a while.
  16. What if the cashier asks me about my ice cream stockpile?
  17. Someone has been watching the house; I can feel it. They are waiting for me to leave so they can break in.
  18. Maybe I should just order Peapod. Or Instacart.
  19. The deli counter is going to be packed. I will probably have to take a number. #panic
  20. What if I buy cantaloupe and then get home and let it rot on the counter again?
  21. My Gram told me to never leave the house without at least applying mascara.
  22. I am nauseous. OMG, what if I vomit in public?
  23. The dryer is running. I should wait until it’s done in case the house starts on fire.
  24. I bet there’s a murderer in the garage, or even in the backseat waiting to strike.
  25. I am just going to glance at Pinterest to get some recipe ideas. #gameover
I keep overthinking my trip to the grocery store

So, I finally made it to the store, and it was pretty uneventful. I didn’t take any coupons, my cart was impressively smooth, my pants stayed on, I only had two awkward social interactions, and I ran into my cousins (which was nice). The cashier did not question my ice cream but did ask about the four bags of cinnamon chips. They were on sale, and I told her to stay far away because they are basically crack. A man clearly capable of throwing his voice across the store asked a question and I tried to answer from several aisles away, which only somewhat alarmed others. Oh, and I forgot guacamole for taco night, so that sucked. Ugh, I need a nap.

I keep overthinking everything, and I know I am not alone. If you are an over thinker, please chime in. If we can laugh about it, it’s not as bad, right?

ellen beck

Monday 3rd of July 2017

OK I fit the list pretty well, but I honestly have never thought about anyone depanting me. Now I get to add that in (kidding) I dont think that one bothers me. I have had to take extra meds before shopping and come to think of it usually do. Then I make stupid purchases, because I am zoning out. I do carry a lits, and nope if something is running I wont go.

Kathleen Bailey

Sunday 10th of April 2016

Thanks for being open about your struggles. I don't have these problems but i have plenty other ones that can cripple me too.

Jennifer

Sunday 10th of April 2016

Thanks for making me feel comfortable doing so! None of us are alone in our struggles - no matter what they are!

Cathy French

Wednesday 9th of March 2016

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with panic attacks about grocery shopping. Most everything on your list is me to a T. I take a xanax before I go shopping.

Jennifer

Wednesday 9th of March 2016

Sorry to hear that! It's exhausting really. :/ I used to take Xanax WAY too often, and now I cannot take it anymore.