I used to enjoy my trips to the market. I actually liked going down each isle, using coupons, looking for bargains and checking off my grocery list. I would get a latte and stroll along perusing the specialty items that were new that week. I loved seeing how much money I could save with my bonus card and would even stop to take a few of the coupons from those little automatic machines they place out for you. I was into the whole experience.

Over the last few months, I have noticed that my feelings about grocery shopping have taken a turn. I’m not sure exactly what triggered my change of heart but I have a sneaking suspicion that it has to do with the music that plays while I’m shopping. I know stores play various kinds of music during different times of the day directed specifically towards targeted demographics. Sometimes there will be oldies playing, while other times you will hear a more contemporary mix, and so on.

For some reason, when I go around 11 am, whats playing can only be described as “suicide songs”. While I am shopping, they will queue up every slit-your-wrist-tune from 1970 to today. This puzzles me. Who does this music appeal to? I look around and see a bunch of moms who, like me, look like they have just come from the gym.

Are we all unwittingly craving a medley of depressing-love-gone-wrong-songs? Do they think these songs will make us buy more ice cream?? (maybe) I don’t know, but I have cried twice in the baked foods section and usually am ready to abandon my cart for kleenex by the time I reach the paper goods isle.

I need to write a letter to someone about this. I seriously doubt my health insurance will cover grocery store therapy. Has this ever happened to you?? Maybe I should just wear earmuffs…

I was able to find one bright spot in my shopping trip yesterday and amazingly it was in my happy place- the wine isle. I came upon this and my misty eyes quickly dried as I giggled.