Stress-Free Shopping

I don't think of myself as a grinch, or even as selfish, but I have to confess that I really dislike all of the solicitors outside of stores this time of year. I give a fair amount of money each month to help those less fortunate than myself, so I don't feel that I have to give to every fundraising bell ringer that I come across. I feel so uncomfortable to tell them no, but at the same time, because I already give a substantial amount each month, I don't feel I can afford to give to every person at every door.

I also feel uncomfortable with those asking me to sign their ballot petitions. I usually tell them that I would like to read up more on the subject before signing the petition. My nephew signs them all, because he believes that every measure should get a chance to make it to the vote. But my fear is that so many people don't educate themselves about the voting issues, that many of these will pass just because they are on the ballot.

Yesterday I had two experiences with these solicitors. The first happened outside Target. Now I have to say that one of the things that I appreciate about this particular Target store is that they have a big sign on the door that says something like, "We want our customers to have a stress free shopping environment, so we do not accept solicitors outside our stores." So imagine my surprise when I walked up to the door, and there was a man collecting money for a homeless shelter. I don't think there is anything wrong with his cause, but I just don't like the stress of being approached by him when I'm shopping. As I went in the door, I mentioned to the lady coming in behind me, "The sign says they don't allow solicitors!" Suddenly the man, in an aggressive tone, said, "Each to his own! Each to his own!" I ignored him and went inside. Part of me wanted to find the nearest manager and complain, but I'm not that much of a grinch, so I let it go. But it bugs me that they advertise one thing, and then practice another.

Then I went to Safeway, and there was a guy with a voting measure sign up. He approached me, and I told him that I wanted to read up on the issue first. He said, "We have information here!" and pointed to the small paragraph at the top of the sign up list. LOL I said, "No, I mean on the internet."

Is there something wrong with me that I loathe any kind of solicitors in front of stores? I even will go out the shopping cart entry door to avoid having to face them. lol Maybe my stress-free shopping doesn't start until after the holidays?