Guy insists I cut the line? who was right?

[Anonymous]

I was waiting in line, when I was the last in line however a lady turned in her light and told people that whoever was in line next can come over. Now the guy that was next was so close to the people paying 1. It didn’t look like he was next in line 2. He wasn’t paying attention at all. I gave it a quick moment for him to pay attention and then got into the lady’s line so I can pay immediately ( I had one item) the guy yells “I was next in line” meanwhile he has a pile of items and insisted I cut the line because I actually paid attention to the lady. Was he being a douche or was it rude to go ahead in line?

[Oliverlogan263]

Hmm that's tough, I can see it from both sides. A few thoughts:

- If the lady said "next in line" and you were paying closer attention, it's fair that you moved up since he wasn't really ready.

- At the same time, dude probably felt cut since he was physically closer, even if distracted.

- One item vs a pile doesn't matter cause it's not about that, it's the line order.

- Should have quickly gauged if he was really "next" before swooping in just to be sure.

Overall I don't think either of you were trying to be jerks on purpose. Sounds like a simple miscommunication at a busy store.

In the future, best to just say "excuse me, were you next?" so there's no confusion. Then at least it's clear who was really paying attention vs not.

If it was me, I probably would've let him go ahead just to avoid any drama. Not a big deal to wait one more person. But can't fault you for trying to be quick either! Just a small mistake, I wouldn't beat yourself up over it.

[Asker]

It’s just a misunderstanding because now all of the sudden he was paying attention which is annoying. Why is it my fault that he wasn’t paying attention?

[Oliverlogan263]

You're totally right, it was just a misunderstanding caused by him not paying attention before. Like, why should you have to hold up your one item just because he wasn't looking? That's not your problem.

I hate when people try to make things your fault when it's really their own issue. Like dude, you were zoned out back there while the rest of us were lined up ready to go. Obviously when the lady said "next" she meant the person actually ready, not someone daydreaming in the back.

Don't feel bad at all for not wanting to wait on him when you had one item. He should be annoyed at himself for not listening closer, not taking it out on you. Next time he'll hopefully pay attention instead of expecting you to just hold the line because he checked out. Some people, I swear! Like no, you don't get to suddenly cut in front just cuz you woke up. Ugh, don't let it bother you - you did nothing wrong!

[BetaBucks]

He's a douchebag. Probably gets bullied by his fat wife all day and has nothing left but to pick stupid fights with strangers. I made all that up so we can have a cool backstory to your incident.

[DishLady]

What's the big deal? It's just a line. Did he have to go to the very end of the line again or something?

People can be so odd sometimes.

[Asker]

He was right behind me , and I had only one item. It was just really weird, seemed like he wanted to pick a fight because he wasn’t paying attention. Just thoughts in my head

[DishLady]

Nah... he's just being ridiculous, then. Why are you even thinking about him?

[dustybiker2]

Speak up. "Sir. She's open, you're next.." It's not complicated.

[Asker]

he’s in a rush, but not paying attention. I’m taking my one item and leaving.

[dustybiker2]

Then you get loudly called out for doing so.

[integrale77]

Way I see it unless the call the next person over specifically then it's free for all.
That guy may have been annoyed but he was just too slow.

[Asker]

They called the next person over, however he was literally buried in the line, not paying attention. I didn’t really understand his attitude when I had one item

[integrale77]

One item well that's no issue