We’ve all been there—standing in a parking lot with a wobbly shopping cart, debating whether to return it to the corral or just leave it where it is. Well, one woman has taken this everyday dilemma to TikTok, and boy, did it cause a stir. Meet Leslie Dobson, a Los Angeles-based psychologist and social media maven, who decided to lay out her reasons for never returning her cart—and let’s just say, the internet had some thoughts.
In her now-viral clip, Leslie, who’s a busy mom of two adorable kiddos, let her 300,000+ followers in on her little secret: she doesn’t return her shopping cart. Yup, you read that right. Leslie posted this controversial revelation on a Thursday, and it wasn’t long before she faced the wrath of the keyboard warriors.
So why doesn’t Leslie return her cart? Is it laziness? A deep-seated rebellion against societal norms? Nope, the answer is a bit more complex. Leslie candidly explained that she’s afraid of leaving her kids alone in the car while she returns the cart—a fear many parents can surely relate to. As she put it, “I’m afraid my children would be abducted if I left them alone while returning the cart.” This statement struck a chord with some viewers, while others felt it was a weak excuse for what they saw as a lack of social responsibility.
The backlash was swift and, in some cases, brutal. But Leslie wasn’t about to take the criticism lying down. In a follow-up video posted on Instagram, she vented her frustration, quipping, “It’s May 31 and about six million people have freaked out over me not returning my shopping cart because my kids are in the car.” Whether you side with Leslie or think she’s in the wrong, you have to admit—six million people is a whole lot of folks caring about shopping carts.
Leslie’s reasoning brings to the forefront an age-old debate: the unwritten social contract. You know, the one that includes returning shopping carts, picking up after your dog, and other small acts of communal respect. For some, not returning a cart is a faux pas on par with cutting in line or talking loudly on your phone in public. It’s a small act, but one that seems to tip the scales between being a good neighbor and an inconsiderate one.
However, Leslie isn’t alone in her stance. Amidst the wave of criticism, there were plenty of supporters who applauded her prioritization of her children’s safety. In this camp, Leslie is seen as a responsible mother who’s simply unwilling to take any risks, no matter how trivial they may seem to others.
This minor shopping cart saga reveals a broader conversation about individual actions and their ripple effects on the community. Think about it—every time someone leaves their cart in the middle of the parking lot, it inconveniences the next shopper, the cart collectors, and even poses hazards to vehicles. On the flip side, can we really blame a parent for choosing their child’s safety over cart etiquette?
In the age of social media, where even a trip to the grocery store can become the next viral sensation, Leslie’s story is a thought-provoking addition to discussions about personal responsibility versus societal expectations. While she firmly stands by her decision, the polarized responses she received emphasize how deeply ingrained these communal norms are in our everyday lives.
Will this be the last time someone sparks a debate over something as seemingly mundane as returning a shopping cart? Probably not. But as long as social media is around, neither will the feisty debates that make the internet such a fascinating reflection of modern life.
