Life Sherpa: Welcome to the chat, on this typical -- hot, muggy and overcast -- summer day in St. Louis. We'll throw out the first questions in just a moment, as soon as the Life Sherpa refreshes his much needed mug of coffee.
A man has got to have his priorities.

twotots: On Saturday, my husband, two children (2 years and 4 years) and I made a late night run to Schnuck's to get a couple of things. Since my children really REALLY love the grocery store (who wouldn't with all that food!), we all went inside. It was late (9:00pm) and the door was protected by a 90+/- year old security guard. Because I like to make friends with any and all security guards (If a gunned man enters the premises I want the guard to think of my family and I first)I said hello and asked him how his day was going. Then we all went on our way. While shopping the mayonnaise aisle, he appeared out of nowhere and said that I either needed to leave or give him my backpack. Embarrassed, I first asked why?! He said it was store policy that backpacks are not allowed. I went on to tell him that it wasn't really a backpack, it was more of a diaper bag containing diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothing. It was a first aid kit with band-aids, first aid spray and antibiotic ointment. It was also a purse with my wallet, credit/bank cards, money, and phone. He stood his ground and said that I either had to leave or give him the bag.

With two young kids, you gotta keep the bag so I just left and brought the youngest to the car with me. Dad stayed in the store to get the rest of the stuff with the 4 year old. (If it wasn't so late we would have gone somewhere else) Of course the 2 year old had a HUGE melt down once he figured out we were going to the car. I wanted to have a melt down because I was so embarrassed. The guard actually walked right by my side all the way to the door. Did he seriously think I was going to make a run for the milk aisle and fill my backpack? All while dragging my 2 year old along my side? (The two year old has a full leg brace on his leg and can barely walk.)

Anyway, I'm frustrated with the way I was treated. But I didn't say anything, I just left with my head held low. I plan to send a letter to Schnuck's but feel hopeless about getting any sort of reply. What are some key things I can include in the letter to be sure to get noticed? Tell me Sherpa, what do you think about this whole situation?

Life Sherpa: Sounds to me like a guy doing his job, albeit somewhat overzealously.
As to what to include in the letter. I think you just did in this question on this forum. Just give them the facts; I;m sure they will respond.

twotots: Also, while my husband has the ability to be amazing in every way, he actually really angered me while at Schnuck's. He turned into a real bonehead and when the guard was kicking me out he looked at me and said "What on earth are you carrying a backpack for anyway?!" It's not only what he said, it's how he said it. I about lost it right then and there, all I did was just look at him (I'm sure you know the look, you're married, right?) Of course when he made it to the car I tore into him pretty good. Shouldn't he have taken up for me? Don't you think he should have told that guard where he could stick his 'security' badge? Shouldn't he have offered to take both kids to the car while I completed shopping? Shouldn't he have suggested for us all to leave and just go to a different store in the morning? Is it just my frustration of being escorted out of Schnuck's that made me so angry or did my husband say something as bone headed as I think it was?

Life Sherpa: Yes, your reaction was caused by the situation. And, yes, your husband did say something bone-headed.
You are right on both counts.

Life Sherpa: Because some bad weather is movingm in -- and the Sherpa computer keeps flickering -- we're going to end the discussion now and pick it up again in two weeks: noon on June 16.

ciao

Life Sherpa: Because some bad weather is movingm in -- and the Sherpa computer keeps flickering -- we're going to end the discussion now and pick it up again in two weeks: noon on June 16.

ciao