Be A Good Neighbor & Return The Store’s Shopping Carts

It only takes a minute to roll it back, but your laziness lasts forever.

Privileges in life are funny. The moment people gain access to something convenient—like a gym in their building, a rooftop patio, or even a connected grocery store—many lose their sense of responsibility. What starts as a perk quickly turns into abuse.

Take the grocery carts, for example.

I live in an apartment connected to a grocery store, and honestly, it’s a blessing. I just grab my tote bag, head down through the garage, take the elevator up, and I’m in the store. Quick, easy, and practical.

But sometimes, when I’ve stocked up more than my short arms can carry, I’ll use a cart to bring groceries upstairs. Here’s the key difference between me and a few lazy neighbors: I return the cart. Because let’s be clear—those carts belong to the store, not the apartment complex.

Now, I understand if people with cars in the garage leave carts by the elevator. Employees will often collect them, and at least they’re left in the store’s “territory.” No problem there.

The issue? The folks who abandon carts inside the building. I’ve walked to the elevator more times than I can count, only to find a cart shoved against the wall like it’s some forgotten furniture. Do these people expect the janitors to haul them back? That’s not their job—stop making your laziness someone else’s responsibility.

One day, I overheard the front desk staff discussing a problem with a grocery store employee. He wasn’t angry, but he was concerned. His suggestion? Those smart carts that lock up once they’re taken too far from the store. Honestly, I agree. If people can’t take five minutes to return a cart, maybe technology needs to step in.

Because here’s the bottom line: having a grocery store in your building is a privilege. Abuse it, and it could disappear. Every time someone abandons a cart in the hallway, they’re dumping their laziness on employees and neighbors alike. And trust me—it gets on people’s nerves real fast. Keep it up, and someone’s bound to snap.

This ain’t the projects, people. When you’re done with your shopping, return the damn cart to where it belongs.