Cash Only Confusion: A Supermarket Snafu

I walked into the supermarket at 29, feeling like I had life figured out. Born in 1995, I had the kind of confidence only millennials could have—thinking a credit card could solve all problems. That day, I strolled up to the checkout with a six-pack of soda, flashing my shiny credit card like it was a VIP pass to a club.

As I handed over my card with a smirk, the cashier gave me a look that could curdle milk. “It’s cash only,” she said flatly, pointing to the glaring sign behind her. I paused, glanced at the sign like it was written in some ancient, forgotten language, and thought, Cash? Who carries cash anymore? But I wasn’t about to admit defeat. I stood there, swiping my card at the machine like I was trying to conjure magic.

The people in line behind me began to shuffle impatiently. I heard some sighs, and one guy loudly cleared his throat, but I doubled down. “I’m sure it works,” I said, giving the cashier a grin that I hoped screamed ‘I’m charming!’ but probably came off as ‘I’m clueless!’

After several failed swipes, the cashier’s patience ran dry. “Sir,” she said with the kind of tone reserved for toddlers and really persistent telemarketers, “Cash. Only.”

Realizing this was a battle I couldn’t win, I did the walk of shame back to the soda aisle, leaving my precious six-pack behind. The lesson? Carry a few bucks in cash—because sometimes the real world doesn’t accept your ‘life-on-credit’ plan. The consequence? A bruised ego, a lot of side-eye from the other customers, and the haunting sound of the cashier’s sigh echoing in my head.

Lesson learned: Not every battle is worth swiping for.