morning conversations at the checkout line
The other day, I had one of those unexpected conversations that completely shifts your perspective. I was at Trader Joe's, checking out, and noticed that the box for one of my items was open. I asked the employee if I could quickly check the internal packaging to make sure it was still sealed. As I did, I shared a seemingly random story about a time I'd bought a tub of diaper paste, and when I got home, I found that a small amount had been skimmed off the top. I'd thought it was really strange and just returned it.
To my surprise, the Trader Joe's cashier nodded and knew exactly what I was talking about. He mentioned he used to work in warehouses and said that "stuff like that would happen all the time." My first thought was confusion. Were warehouse workers be bringing their babies to work? Were they using it for other skincare purposes? And why would they just skim a little off the top of diaper paste?
Then he explained. He said that some people working in the warehouses were likely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or similar assistance programs. And things like diaper paste are often not covered by these benefits. So, out of sheer necessity, they would bring a small container to work and take just a little bit home, enough to help their own child.
His explanation floored me. My initial, admittedly judgmental, assumption about "weird fetishes" instantly evaporated, replaced by a wave of understanding and profound empathy. Now that I have children – especially young ones – I deeply understand that fierce, primal desire to do everything you can for your kids. As a parent, you want to protect them, and give them the best possible opportunities. Hearing that someone might be taking a small amount of diaper paste out of love and desperation for their child, resonated so differently.
This small interaction was a powerful reminder that we really don’t know what others are going through or thinking. It's a call for us all to try to approach situations with curiosity, compassion, and empathy.