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NCR: Scary grocery store encounter
We live in the "historic district" of our city. All of the homes are ~100 years old and they're nice, quiet neighborhoods. The nearest grocery store is about a mile away. North of the grocery store are neighborhoods of lower income and higher crime. Today is the first time that I've run into someone sketchy at the store.
I was pushing my cart to my car and this dirty, middle-aged man approached me. He said he'd wait and take my cart for me. I politely said no, that's okay. He insisted that he wanted to shop with my cart. Still polite, I told him it was going to take me a while and there were plenty of carts in the store. He then asked me if I would buy him a soda. I told him I didn't carry cash and to have a nice day. He got the hint and went off to approach someone else in the parking lot.
I got into my car and thought about how the situation could have played out. It kind of freaked me out. When I got home I called the store and spoke to the manager. I told her that I'm nearly 8 months pregnant and have never felt so unsafe at their store. I may have to start shopping at the grocery store south of us. It's a little farther, but it's in a better area.
I called and told DH about it. He asked if I was all right and then asked if I wanted him to buy me a hand gun. You know it's love when your man offers to help you get your conceal-and-carry license. 
Off to do some sewing to calm my nerves.
Re: NCR: Scary grocery store encounter
My dad used to work in West Omaha (which is the nice part of town), but sometimes had to go through North Omaha (bad part of town) for work, so he got a handgun and his conceal and carry license. He told all of us kids that he would pay for the course and a gun if we wanted it, which wouldn't be a bad deal for my sister, who goes to college in a sketchy town. Anyway, I live in rural central Nebraska...no sense in me having one!
Anyway, I totally hijacked your post. I'm sorry you didn't feel safe, that is scary! Good call on talking to the manager though, they need to know about those things!
Lily loves her new little sister!
Lily Sue 8.17.2009
Forever loved and missed...Dot 6.14.10, Little Bit 8.20.10, Speck 3.16.11
Adair Leigh 3.27.12
I am glad you are safe. If you have to use that grocery store in the future, I would request that an employee walk you to your car. Especially since you are currently pregnant and will soon have your little one with you. Or just use the further store.
I grew up in a small, rural community where you know everybody and they all wave as you drive by. As a result, I'm big on stranger danger. I may be friendly and outgoing, but I wasn't born yesterday. I'm hoping he doesn't insist on it since I'm expecting.
People here, for the most part, think that owning firearms for sport/hunting is really strange.
I'm sorry that you were freaked out, but I don't think this situation is a big deal. He may have really just wanted to do you a favor so you didn't have to walk to the cart corral, since you are so obviously pregnant. I wouldn't have called the store manager over it.
Once you have the baby, you will get strangers (including dirty, middle aged strangers) stopping to chat with you and compliment you on your cute LO every time you go out. Maybe carrying some pepper spray would help alleviate any potential anxiety?
Definitely not a favor, just wanted money. I watched him look around and run up to other people, never once going near the store. The man had grabbed onto my cart trying to take it before I'd even opened my car door to load my groceries.
I routinely drive to a better area to go to the grocery store. Especially if I'm alone with DS. No shame in that, especially if it puts you at ease.
I used to carry pepper spray but the case broke and then I was forced to trash it at an event. Didn't even remember it was on my keys I had owned it so long. Oh well.
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Ah. Then you took the right course of action.