Is buying condoms at the supermarket embarrassing or was my friend joking with me?
Posted by KindlyEffect4183@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 309 comments
My American friend told me that in the US, sometimes people get embarrassed when buying condoms because the cashier or someone behind them might briefly comment on why he was buying it with a big grin. I thought he was joking at first but he said it deadpan. In my country this is true so people mostly buy condoms online before having sex. What do you guys think?
Jackalope_Sasquatch@reddit
I think it's an outdated concept/joke, which is not to say it doesn't still happen...
Desh282@reddit
No one ever commented
But they probably know I’m having sex
ThisDerpForSale@reddit
If it's true in your country, why do you not believe it would be true here as well?
devnullopinions@reddit
I worked as a cashier and like the first thing I was told was to NEVER comment on what people were buying.
Head_Razzmatazz7174@reddit
Yep. You learn very quickly how to keep a straight face. I've seen some combinations of things that make me question reality.
It wasn't until I started going in to pick up a few items that had no relation to each other that it made sense.
Cr4nkY4nk3r@reddit
Make it a competition to see what combination you can come up with. I'm a big fan of: condoms, massive zucchini, KY gel, 12 pack of beer, extra strength sudafed, and a roll of duct tape.
If that doesn't get you a comment, your cashier is emotionally dead inside, or just not paying attention.
Sooner70@reddit
OK, I admit that I’m probably not much fun at parties but I look at that list and I’m completely lost…. WTF is the Sudafed for?
Cr4nkY4nk3r@reddit
Says right on the box: may cause drowsiness.
Fuck, man... I don't know. I was just trying to come up with a weird sounding list. Funny enough, you're the first one who's mentioned that item though!
fasterthanfood@reddit
Reminds me of a crass joke:
A woman went to the grocery store and bought a single-person microwaveable dinner, lube, a zucchini, and a copy of a Men’s Health magazine with a shirtless hunk on the cover.
“Hehehe, I can tell you’re single,” said the cashier.
“Oh yeah?” the woman snapped, deciding to make him as uncomfortable as he’d made her. “Why is that?”
He stared at her. “Isn’t it obvious? Because you’re fucking ugly.”
Winter-Warlock8954@reddit
I liked that joke a little too much.
eyetracker@reddit
Hi, um, let me have one of those porno magazines, large box of condoms, a bottle of Old Harper, couple of those panty shields. And some illegal fireworks. dAnd one of those disposable enemas. Nah, make it two.
jlt6666@reddit
I don't know what you've got planned but count me out.
WitchQween@reddit
PSA for those in the US: Only buy Sudafed from the pharmacy. The stuff on the shelf is a placebo.
t-poke@reddit
I worked as a bagger at a grocery store when I was a teen. I remember a woman bought a long cucumber and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. That was it.
And this wasn’t like a high school or college student who was dared to do it by her friends as a dumb prank. It was an older woman.
If that’s how she’s spending her night, I’m not gonna judge.
voltairesalias@reddit
It definitely warrants a "have fun""
Horseshoe_dodgeball@reddit
I don't do it intentionally but I have looked at my list and thought, cucumbers and hemorrhoid cream? Eh, the cream can wait till next weekend.
LinuxLinus@reddit
Toothbrush, jumprope, condoms. I got a look, but no comment.
mesembryanthemum@reddit
My sister once had the cashier ask "what are you making for dinner!?" because she bought tortillas, cheese and whipped cream. Quesadillas; the whipped cream was for a birthday party the next day.
WilcoHistBuff@reddit
Once on May 3rd of some year long ago I was in a long line at a Midwestern grocery store behind a lady with several packages of corn husks, two buckets of lard, a big bag of masa harina, a big package of pork shoulder, another of chicken thighs, baking soda, and chicken broth and about 20 Ingres suitable for mole. A very clueless cashier asked the lady, “What are you making with that?”
Everyone in line, about ten people, in unison exclaimed “tamales!”
Kinda surprised the cashier.
killersoda@reddit
I one bought a candle, duct tape, and some wine coolers. I bet my cashier thought I'm one kinky motherfucker.
ihaveajob79@reddit
Or had someone check out your basement.
Sweihwa@reddit
Throw in handcuffs in there too.
Matar_Kubileya@reddit
What convenience stores are you going to
Sweihwa@reddit
Between the Vegas chapel and annulment lawyers building.
Fun-Lengthiness-7493@reddit
“Big night?”
LinuxLinus@reddit
or a small morning
AnatidaephobiaAnon@reddit
One of the funniest ones I had when I first became a cashier at 16 was condoms, cucumber, KY Jelly and a 6 pack of beer. It was two guys who were dressed like legit construction workers and not just wearing some Village People inspired outfits. The one looked at me and said, "we are going to have a good night.". I just responded with "Looks like it." and took their payment. When they walked out I told every single person working with me.
zack_bauer123@reddit
I had the same experience as well when I worked as a cashier. It was usually one of the long hothouse ones too. I learned to never ask questions. However, I do wonder what the people who bought for shopping carts of cabbage up to.
christine-bitg@reddit
Years ago when I was volunteering at a music festival, the festival office asked me to pick up two dozen watermelons at a store that was having a sale. The store manager had me pull around back and we loaded them into the van I was driving.
They were served to volunteers as dessert not long after I got back to the festival.
jfchops3@reddit
If you're a virgin teenager at your first job sure the first five times someone buys condoms from you might be amusing. Before long though I imagine nobody has to consciously try to keep a straight face because they just stop caring. Like fart jokes are funny for little kids and stop being funny when you turn 14 - eventually it's just a normal part of being human same as buying condoms is
Onyx_Lat@reddit
I beg your pardon. I'm almost 50 and my mom is almost 70 and we've never met a fart we haven't laughed at.
iCameToLearnSomeCode@reddit
The rope, lube and teletubby DVD are all for totally unrelated activities I swear.
SabresBills69@reddit
reminds me of the Home Depot aisle…
https://www.queerty.com/home-depot-aisle-practically-bdsm-club-20220115/
Naive-Kangaroo3031@reddit
One time I was getting ready for a backpacking trip and I had a machete, rope, plastic tarp and condoms. Im more concerned that DIDN'T raise questions
Meattyloaf@reddit
You saying that reminded me of when I first started working retail and was told to make a display with a mismatch of items we had that didn't really go anywhere else. The display was thus made displaying extention cords, packaging tape, and mace. Let's just say that it did not stay up very long.
QuitTalking81@reddit
I worked in a big retailer for 5 years and had some teen boys come up while I was stocking Health and Beauty one night. I knew this was a dare/prank thing because I was once a teen boy but was pretty frustrated with how my night had been going at that point and was not about to be dealing with excess bullshit. Kid walks up to me and almost barely above a whisper asked if we sold “extra small condoms”. I was on a tear that evening because without hesitating I got up and directed him the first aid section where they carry nitrile finger cots and grabbed the box and said “Here, would these work?” Kid was absolutely shocked to his core that I was that quick and did all that no hesitation. He just blinked and started walking away. Thought they’d say something to the manager on duty but I didn’t hear anything about it. The guy I was working the area with about lost his shit and couldn’t stop bringing it up for the rest of the night and laughing his ass off. Great times.
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
What if thy bought a shovel, rope, duct tape, a large box of lawn bags….
devnullopinions@reddit
The store where I worked didn’t sell lawn and garden tools but I’d honestly assume a person buying that is doing yard work.
jlt6666@reddit
Seriously there are tons of projects that might require this list.
bearfootin_9@reddit
I watch enough crime tv stuff that I carefully split those kinds of purchases between 3 stores, each in a different city.
CanoePickLocks@reddit
You’re gonna get caught if you don’t start doing it on different days as well!
bearfootin_9@reddit
Excellent point! Do you drive?
CanoePickLocks@reddit
Vary routes to and from. Make large circles out of routes using various vehicles not directly linked to you. With facial recognition flock type AI cameras though your days are numbered anyways. Better to stop hiding the bodies at this point or use what’s in the home.
bearfootin_9@reddit
Bodies? What bodies? lalala
Flock cameras don't worry me. I got a wig and a pair of false chompers that make me spittin' image of Walton Goggins. Safe as houses man.
fasterthanfood@reddit
I think some stores get the opposite training. Almost every time I check out at Trader Joe’s, they smile and say something like “oh, those are good aren’t they?” or “X, Y, and Z, are you making soup?”
It never feels judgmental, and of course I’m not buying condoms, but this isn’t limited to one or two people I happen to have gotten to know — it’s practically universal.
anadem@reddit
Our Trader Joe's people are very chatty, but Safeway & CVS are the opposite just surly and cold. I wondered if they have different training at TJ's, definitely different vibes.
jlt6666@reddit
TJs definitely hire for outgoing folks and ask that you do these things.
Fangsong_37@reddit
Yeah. If I stock up on soda at the grocery store, I sometimes am asked if I'm throwing a party.
jlt6666@reddit
At all of mine the answer would be, you ducker make me pay double if I don't buy four 12 packs
Shevyshev@reddit
What would the Trader Joe’s store brand condoms be? Trader Johnnies?
PhysicsCentrism@reddit
“Not Father Joe”
fasterthanfood@reddit
It would be a crime to sell it as anything but Trader Jimmies’
mesembryanthemum@reddit
I've been asked if the frozen pizza I'm buying is any good. I've had to respond that I'm trying it for the first-time sometimes.
anneofgraygardens@reddit
Trader Joe's employees are supposed to talk to you about your items, like "oh, I love that cheese" or "do you like that pizza?". It's a store guideline.
Lovebeingadad54321@reddit
Does Trader Joe’s even sell condoms? We don’t have TJ where I live.
Sweihwa@reddit
No.
SabresBills69@reddit
they don’t. thry are a smaller store that focuses on generics. They have alcohol ( state rules) and food. they generally don’t carry non food items you find in your local grocery store.
Vespasian79@reddit
I bought beer on my birthday and the cashier said “is this all you’re going to do?”
JinNJ@reddit
One of my first jobs out of high school was at a video store. Definitely had to learn that one quick when adults I knew came in to rent porn. 😳🤢😂🤣😂
mesembryanthemum@reddit
After a while I'm sure it all becomes boring, anyhow, unless you get a customer you know and are all like "Mrs. X is buying a pregnancy kit again? But Suzy just turned one!" or "oh, man, poor Y; I guess his cancer is back"
devnullopinions@reddit
Honestly people would buy really random stuff I didn’t think about it much.
MakeStupidHurtAgain@reddit
Except at Trader Joe’s where apparently you must get demerits if you don’t remark positively on the choices the customer has made. “Oh, have you had those fig crisps before?” ugggg quit making small talk, just sell me the mufferthunkin crackers and let me go lose my soul in traffic already
Neither_Internal_261@reddit
I remember going to buy condoms at the store with my homegirl when we decided that yeah we were gonna fck. She was such a cutie and I was kinda proud to buy that pack of condoms. It was just her and I at the store at like 11pm and that's all we bought haha.
Virtual_Ad_8487@reddit
It’s a maturity thing. I’m willing to bet your friend is young. Mature adults just buy cod moms.
I don’t know what it has to do with being American, though. There’s nothing about buying condoms that would be more embarrassing in America than it would be anywhere else.
benkatejackwin@reddit
Except that Americans are really weird about ith sex itself and contraception.
superfastmomma@reddit
We sell condoms in bulk at Costco. I know of no one in my real life who cluthes their pearls at the idea of contraception. Not a one. Condoms are available in schools.
Virtual_Ad_8487@reddit
It’s mostly just teenagers in areas with no sex ed that feel embarrassed
Virtual_Ad_8487@reddit
That’s extremely relative. Some countries think Americans are prudes, others think we’re obsessed with sex.
christine-bitg@reddit
It is possible to be both at the same time. In fact, it's likely.
SimpleVeggie@reddit
Yeah, I thought Americans were stereotypically open about sex. But then I’m in Britain which is notoriously prudish.
Fletcher_Chonk@reddit
Just like basically everywhere, you don't really know reality unless you live there
whereisurbackbone@reddit
I was just at Target and you can buy a 30 or 90 day supply of birth control pills right off the shelf without even talking to a pharmacist. There’s nothing weird about buying contraceptives here.
rbarr228@reddit
It’s a contradiction, isn’t it? I have learned to not feel embarrassed when buying them, especially if it’s a lady cashier.
HermioneMarch@reddit
There was this German commercial in the 90s where the clerk yells across the store “where do we keep the condom?” While the customer stands there mortified. Proves it’s not just us.
JohnHenryMillerTime@reddit
I liked the dutch commercial for condoms with the screaming baby in the supermarket.
worrymon@reddit
I liked the Dutch commercial with Leslie Nielsen singing "tonight we use the whole chicken" because I'm pretty sure I was the only person in that country at the time who knew the joke it was based on.
Gehnuwin@reddit
Rest in peace
shelwood46@reddit
Many years ago, before HIPAA, my grocery store had a pharmacy near the front doors. I had a case of shingles -- but I was barely 30. Shingles was treated with the same medication as herpe. The pharmacist, who knew me, saw me walk in and yelled, YOUR VALTREX IS READY! loud enough for the entire very large supermarket to hear. She thought she was being helpful.
fattycatty6@reddit
Yeah, I found out when I had shingles a year ago, and my husband was a little perplexed when I came with Valtrex 😆
j1e2f@reddit
You guys say that but if you buy sex toys online, it's always discreet packing when they arrive.....
emmie-claire@reddit
Surely you see how a cashier you'll never meet again scanning a pack of condoms is a pretty different situation than your parents or roommate or neighbors seeing your Assblaster 5000 package on the stoop?
j1e2f@reddit
Either way I can see how it could be embarrassing, especially if you're buying at your local CVS or whatever. Some people really can't keep their mouth shut.
Ok_Personality5494@reddit
It really depends on how mature everyone involved is. Most adults don’t really care, sex is a part of life and the majority of us do it.
Same with menstrual products, some men find it humiliating to buy tampons for their girlfriend but the ones who don’t care are typically husband material because they understand it’s just a part of life.
frijolita_bonita@reddit
Sex is a normal human function. If someone comments on it that just makes them look like a weirdo.
Bear_Salary6976@reddit
In the 80s, it was a trope on tv shows. With the AIDS scare, many more people used condoms, and many tv shows encouraged (only the ones that would talk about sex) condom usage. Many times they would make a humorous skit about it by making the purchaser embarrassed.
Personally, I don't think there was ever really much truth to it. Your friend may have been joking or he is just out of touch.
Bear_Salary6976@reddit
And I am now reminded of this scene from The Golden Girls.
21schmoe@reddit
I specifically searched the comments for this reference. 😂
Budgiejen@reddit
I’ve been cashiering and customer service for over 30 years. Not once have I mentioned the condoms. I just think, “oh good, they’re using protection,” and 2 minutes later I’ve forgotten them.
hypnoticbacon28@reddit
It often is embarrassing for a lot of people. I worked at Walmart for 9 years and often got called on to unlock the “family planning” case. Every now and then the customer would complain about their embarrassment or discomfort with going through me to get condoms, lubricant, adult toys, etc. I just made it clear that I‘ve seen way too much at that store to even care what they were buying or why they want it. My job was simple: help customers find stuff and sell it, and that’s all I cared to do so I could get back home.
I left there a year ago and still get nightmares about working there again, but it never has anything to do with that case.
sep_nehtar@reddit
Use the self checkout out problem solved
LetterheadClassic306@reddit
your friend wasn't fully joking but also not the norm. some cashiers might smirk but most don't care at all. self-checkout makes it a non-issue now. what helped me avoid the whole thing was ordering online. places like Trojan Condoms Variety Pack ship discreetly and you never deal with a cashier. honestly americans are way less awkward about it than your friend made it sound.
Aromatic-Currency371@reddit
I was standing behind someone and she had condoms. Tampons, a pregnancy test, a vibratory on the conveyor belt. Plus a six pack of diet sprite
0_IceQueen_0@reddit
I've never seen condoms at our supermarkets.
christine-bitg@reddit
Trust me, they sell them. 😀
0_IceQueen_0@reddit
Really? Where in Whole foods, Publix, Safeway or Harris Teeters? Is it at the Customer Service area?
christine-bitg@reddit
I shop at Kroger. They're in the pharmacy section, close to the pharmacy counter.
cdb03b@reddit
It is often embarrassing for teens. But does not phase the adults.
Pretty-Ebb5339@reddit
It’s all in your head. The person making $11/hr doesn’t give a shit what you buy.
The only one I remember from working at a gas station was a lady who comes in and asks for Plan B, tell her we don’t sell it, then she asks “I can still buy alcohol right?” And then purchased a few Four Locos.
n00bdragon@reddit
Only time I ever got a comment from a cashier was when I bought rope and duct tape at the hardware store. The cashier lady gave me an eye roll and said "enjoy your rope and duct tape".
She didn't misunderstand a thing. My gf and I did enjoy the rope and duct tape.
Winter-Warlock8954@reddit
I wonder why you would doubt something happens in the USA that happens in your own country.
Pete_Iredale@reddit
The first time I bought them, one of the cooler dudes in my class was working the register and gave me a first bump.
DogsNCoffeeAddict@reddit
The only time I have ever heard someone make a joke it was another customer while my husband and I grabbed condoms and pregnancy tests when my five year old was a tiny newish infant. “Don’t want another one yet huh?” It was for our first romp postpartum. We most certainly did not. Still don’t. Lol. No one cares unless you buy a suspicious amount of baby oil. :p
waynehastings@reddit
Not caring about what ppl you don't know think about your shopping cart is very freeing. I lost my shame over this stuff a long time ago.
AggressiveKing8314@reddit
The first time I bought them I didn’t know anything about them. I was embarrassed. The lady at the counter helped pick out a box and then she she said they were $5.99 plus tax. I said “Tax?! I thought they stayed on by themselves.”
fearain@reddit
No cashier has ever seemed to care that I bought them, but I can say that the best way to get condoms is going to PRIDE FEST.
I went with my wife and we got a shopping bag of condoms, toys, etc. and everyone is just happy to give shit away
HowdyHippo@reddit
First time I bought them the cashier told me "I used to buy those, but i got tired of the smell of burning rubber". That was 30 years ago, still make me laugh.
benicebuddy@reddit
Your friend thinks nobody else is having sex.
Everybody else is having sex.
Hot people. Ugly people. Old people. Young people. Even people you think shouldn’t be having sex are in fact having sex.
christine-bitg@reddit
Except some of us old people.
tygerbrees@reddit
It’s a similar vein as men buying tampons / it’s embarrassing if you make it embarrassing
christine-bitg@reddit
I've seen that one.
TooManyHobbies6969@reddit
How is people knowing you have sex embarrassing
307148@reddit
I guess it could be embarrassing if you and the cashier go to church together or something. Back when I was a Christian I was disciplined by my church for singing karaoke at a birthday party and someone posting a video of it online, so I'm sure a church could discipline someone for condoms too (with the implication that you are having sex without intending to procreate thus committing sin).
But in a secular setting it shouldn't be embarrassing. It's more embarrassing that the cashier thinks using condoms is something worth commenting on.
BoxedWineBonnie@reddit
Out of curiosity, what church were you a part of that they frowned on karaoke? Did the song have curse words in it?
307148@reddit
Baptist, IFB specifically. They basically believe all music is sinful except for old hymns. The song was Thriller by Michael Jackson. I was in high school at the time so they had more "authority" over me compared to if I were an adult.
christine-bitg@reddit
How bizarre! I'm glad that you're not associated with them now.
unmgrad@reddit
This is what I was going to say! Nothing embarrassing on getting lucky!
Rob_LeMatic@reddit
Small town nosiness.. Especially if you're a teen and these people do to check with your parents
unmgrad@reddit
This is what I was going to say! Nothing embarrassing on getting lucky!
Adventurous-Depth984@reddit
What’s embarrassing about getting laid?
Ok-Sport-5528@reddit
Supermarkets have self-checkouts here. No need to see a cashier. I haven’t been to a cashier for checkout in over 10 years.
christine-bitg@reddit
Unless the stuff you want is locked up. Sudafed, for example. I have to ask the clerk at the pharmacy for it.
That reminds me, I need to add it to our grocery list. 😀
rubatosisopossum@reddit
Condoms are kept in lock boxes usually where I'm at. Even if you go to self check, you still need the attendant to open the box
legend_of_the_skies@reddit
That's wild. I've never seen them locked up before. When you think about it, it's a bit counter productive to do so....
rockninja2@reddit
For supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery stores, etc. more kids means more future customers for them to make money off of, and the parents need items to take care of them so more reasons to go shopping and spend more money. It is all about the money... 💲💰
Ok-Sport-5528@reddit
They are locked up in some stores in my area, too, but only in the high crime areas. My local grocery store has them on an open rack in front of the pharmacy right as you walk in, you know, where all of the cameras are. 😂
MountainTomato9292@reddit
Interesting! Where I am they are just in the aisle. Right next to the vibrators (Target has really changed since I was a kid).
band-of-horses@reddit
My local Safeway recently reintroduced a 15 item limit on self checkout, but also basically only ever has one staffed checkout lane open at a time. Super annoying as now for a bigger trip I have to wait in the line for a cashier still but it's a long line because there is only one.
wiserTyou@reddit
As someone who rarely ever has more than 15 items, thank them for me.
ian9921@reddit
I'm really annoyed that my supermarket puts all sex things in a separate section with its own cashier so we can't use self-checkout.
I'm double-annoyed that it's the same section as a lot of beauty products (I assume because it's just all the high-theft items) so every time I'm there there's also a bunch of middle-school girls running around buying makeup. Buying sex stuff in that environment is the exact sort of thing that triggers the paranoid "oh my God I look like a creep" part of my brain.
wiserTyou@reddit
That's funny. The last time I bought some they were next to the beauty isle. I had time and was like, maybe I'll try something new. Then a young woman came over ,in her very early 20s (20 years younger than me) was right next to me looking at them as well. Since I'm not as poor as I used to be I decided to just buy one small box of each to test them out. As I grabbed them she just looked at me like wtf? I gave a sheepish shrug and went to the counter.
Even in my 40s it was a bit awkward.
lewisfairchild@reddit
Buying a picnic roast at the drug store is far worse.
jackfaire@reddit
The fear of the cashier commenting is true. The reality of the cashier commenting isn't. Former cashier I never cared what you bought I wasn't paid enough to care I'm just there to check you out.
SummertimeThrowaway2@reddit
Condoms aren’t even the freakiest thing you can buy at a supermarket. Most of them sell sex toys in the pharmacy section.
realmozzarella22@reddit
“It’s none of your business but I’m practicing safe sex!”
777Void777@reddit
I was a cashier for 5 years.
It was pretty common. Especially because the business across the street was a strip club. Usually i wouldnt say anything. There was one girl who was super embarrassed because she couldn't find them and I just helped her and moved on. Another guy was super embarrassed because he couldn't find hemorrhoid cream. Unless they brought it up i usually wouldnt notice
Its also about knowing your audience though. I once had girl buy condoms and make some jokes. I told her "have fun out there." She thought it was hilarious.
Ive seen weirder purchases than condoms though. I think the weirdest was a younger couple who bought lube, a case of water, and every single unscented candle in the store, alot of them having religous figures on them like Our Lady of Guadeloupe.
sandbagger45@reddit
I have bought condoms before and no one has made a comment or smiled. Is your friend a virgin?
caseygwenstacy@reddit
Every time I have bought condoms or taken some out of the freezer bowl at planned parenthood, there was no nervousness or fear. I needed condoms. How else am I going to get them? Who gives a shit about what the cashier will think or anyone in line. I’m going to have sex. How is that embarrassing? I’m not going to gloat or share, but I treat it the same as buying a soda. It’s just a product.
JustSomeGuy_56@reddit
I am sure that somewhere there is a 17 year old cashier who might think it’s funny, or embarrassing, but most couldn’t care less what you buy. Unless the cashier is your girlfriend’s ex, or older brother.
There was time when you has to go to a pharmacy and ask for them because they were kept behind the counter, hidden from view.
whereisurbackbone@reddit
It’s a problem in small towns. Trying to get condoms as a teen when the cashier is your bf’s mom’s best friend is a nightmare. We were just trying to be responsible but it was damn near impossible due to how up in everyone’s business people are. Half the time he’d end up stealing them despite having the money to pay for them, just to avoid a potential situation.
Onyx_Lat@reddit
Same with beer. I was at the grocery store with my cousin buying beer which we intended to drink together, and suddenly our parents walked in. I'm pretty sure we were of age by then, but we still wandered around the store avoiding them until they left because we didn't feel like getting judged for our life choices. (In point of fact, they probably wouldn't have objected, but fear of parental judgement doesn't care about logic.)
SpiderPiggies@reddit
Love me a small town, where going to the gas station for some condoms leads to awkwardly stalling while you wait for the pastor and members of your wife's church choir to leave first. Only to realize they waited outside to say hi to you.
botulizard@reddit
Once there was a teenage couple who decided they were ready to lose their virginities. The boy wisely decided to be safe and get some condoms, so he went to the pharmacy and was so serious about safety that he asked the pharmacist for all kinds of advice on choosing the right ones and using them the right way.
Then the big day came, the plan was to go park the car someplace after dinner with her parents, who he'd be meeting for the first time.
The boy arrives at the girl's house and everyone sits at the table. Before they ate, he asked if he could say grace before dinner. He bowed his head and began praying. After several minutes of a meandering blessing, the girl leaned over and said "you didn't tell me you were so religious!"
"Yeah, well you didn't tell me your dad's a pharmacist!"
sporknife@reddit
Or your teacher. The 17yo cashier wouldn’t say anything in the moment, but everyone would feel awkward and their circle of friends would end up hearing about it.
I know teachers that shop the next town over or get certain items at pharmacies to avoid that predicament. Sometimes it just requires scoping out the registers before choosing a lane. I avoided buying prenatal vitamins at the grocery store until my pregnancy was far enough along that it was common knowledge.
Horseshoe_dodgeball@reddit
Yes, now that was super awkward. Growing up we only had 1 place to buy condoms and that was behind the counter at the drug store. We were all scared the pharmacy would snitch us out to our parents for having sex!
my_clever-name@reddit
It was a lot more awkward and embarrassing when the condoms weren't in the open. They were kept at the pharmacy out of sight.
Rob_LeMatic@reddit
When you're young, you tend to think everyone is staring at you and judging you. As you get older, you realize that most people are so self absorbed they barely notice you, and if they do, they can go fuck themselves.
mustang6172@reddit
Please remind your friend that self-checkout exists.
jbp12@reddit
If you're too embarrassed to buy condoms, then you're probably not ready to use them. In my experience as a consumer, no cashier in the US has ever made a snide comment about my purchase of condoms (or anything else I've purchased). I used to be a cashier and I never cared about what items people bought or for what purposes they'd use those items.
Charming-Advice-7013@reddit
In Health class in 8th grade, I remember having a homework assignment to just buy condoms somewhere. To make anyone that was embarrassed get over it. We had to bring them in the next day as proof.
VariegatedPlumage@reddit
So there is a drugstore chain in NYC called Duane Reade that is now owned by Walgreens but long before it was bought, like was back in the 90s, they were legendary for keeping the condoms behind the counter and giving you disapproving looks if you looked young and asked for some. They didn’t comment, they just glared or tsked or shook their head or whatever. NO ONE bought condoms at Duane Reade unless they absolutely had to.
VivKat309@reddit
Purchasing condoms is very common, and very responsible! I think cashiers are so used to seeing them that they don’t even notice. And if they make a dumb comment, forget it! You’re the one going out for a fun time while they’re standing behind a cash register.
marksman81991@reddit
When I first bought a condom pack, yes, it was embarrassing. I was young. Now I’m married, I pick up tampons and pads for my wife. I couldn’t care less.
Defiant_Finger4011@reddit
Buying condoms and only condoms? Kinda weird.
MsPandaLady@reddit
It can be awkward(not sure embarrassing is right word) when you are younger especially as girl but you get over it. Cashiers have never made a comment
patiofurnature@reddit
It was pretty embarrassing as a young man, too. Not sure how you're able to compare the experiences.
Equivalent-Willow179@reddit
Speaking as a male myself, I definitely felt shy and self-conscious buying condoms, like the cashier was staring at me and might scold me. "YOU CAN'T BUY CONDOMS IN HERE! YOU'RE JUST A DORKY KID!" We may be afraid of being told our penises are too small, our muscles are too weak, we have no game, we're not self-confident enough, we're not experienced enough, etc. and that's very real. But in this particular context - buying condoms - there was also this sense of pride. Like, "Yeah, you're jealous. You wish you were fucking my girlfriend later instead of working at Walgreens." I can't know this but I feel like if I were a woman there would have been an added layer of self-consciousness instead. I might be afraid a male cashier would think, "Can I fuck you? How many people have you fucked? How are you going to be fucked? How have you been fucked in the past?" Or they might think, "Why aren't you saving yourself for your husband? Are you diseased? Are you going to become a pregnant single mother? Why can't you females just keep your legs together?" (I'm less sure what they're afraid of a female cashier thinking.) In this one particular scenario - buying condoms - I'd still much rather be a guy.
GreenBeanTM@reddit
Everything after the “can I fuck you” line of questioning stays the same, and add in some “you’d never catch me buying condoms” line of thinking.
patiofurnature@reddit
Ah, well there's the difference - you're talking about a male cashier. I bought them from a woman the first time, and I definitely would have felt more comfortable buying them from another man.
MsPandaLady@reddit
Thats fair, I don't know how it is for a guy to buy condoms. I just know in my teenage years I felt there was judgement that what slut buys condons.
WisconsinWolverine@reddit
As a guy who bought condoms as a teenager. I felt judgement (in my head) from the cashiers.
nebuladrifting@reddit
I bought condoms, lube, and a cucumber at Walmart and the cashier wasn’t even phased :(
bearfootin_9@reddit
fazed
nebuladrifting@reddit
Thanks!
failureofsocietyy@reddit
..
GreenBeanTM@reddit
I haven’t personally dealt with it when buying condoms, but yes assholes exist here and if you encounter one while buying condoms they might comment on it.
For a similar story: I had 2 guys “whisper” behind me when I bought pregnancy tests at the dollar store, things along the lines of “who would buy those here?”
For anyone who doesn’t know and might have use for the information: pregnancy tests are regulated by the FDA, meaning whether you buy the $20 fancy one that advertises early detection from the pharmacy or the $1.25 one from dollar tree, they all are required to work as long as you follow the instructions. Obviously the $20 one has a place in the market and I’m not arguing otherwise, but if you don’t have a lot of money or it’s been long enough that you don’t need early detection then you’re just wasting money.
Otherwise-OhWell@reddit
When I was 18 (in the 90s) my trick for buying booze illegally was to wear a suit and buy the booze along with condoms and flowers. Never failed.
SabresBills69@reddit
condoms on shelf 6 in aisle 9
Moosebouse@reddit
Cashiers in the U.S. aren’t paid enough to make jokes
It takes a certain amount of self-centeredness to think a Walgreen’s cashier cares at all about what you are buying, much less that she’s going to risk getting a customer complaint by making jokes about it.
itikky2@reddit
Do they sell condoms at trader joe's is the question
SabresBills69@reddit
no. thry don’t sell non food items and drig store items that you find in other stores
LazyCassiusCat@reddit
Omg, I could see the comments now. "Looks like you're going to have a fun night! Enjoy!"
peter303_@reddit
From Costco its a fun decade- a thousand per box.
tygerbrees@reddit
Costco has them… if you consider yourself ambitious
neBular_cipHer@reddit
No
logaboga@reddit
lol I’ve ran into plenty of cashiers who make jokes. Not about condoms but there’s plenty of friendly and nice people who are cashiers and engage with you
Loud_Ad_4515@reddit
A Walgreens cashier did make a comment to me and my husband. We were there late, like 11 pm, there was a line of people, and we were buying a multi-panel drug test. The cashier said, "Grandchild in trouble?" Us: "No, our daughter." Fuck off. We are older parents, but have always looked young for our age. And their job is to just ring shit up.
txlady100@reddit
Maybe a Texas/southern thing where we generally flap out mouths more. No excuse tho.
307148@reddit
Customer service people definitely DO try to small talk way more in the South. I'll never forget the time I went to a McDonald's in NC and the lady responsible for giving me my food took 10 minutes because she wanted to tell me about the health conditions of every person in her family. I tried to be polite but it was so annoying.
river-running@reddit
I picked up a drug panel from CVS for a DoorDash order once and was waiting for the cashier to say something 😆
TexasBurgandy@reddit
I always made sure to say “Have a good night!” to anyone buying them but that was as much of a smartass as I was going to be. As much as I tried, I had no control over what my face did as I scanned them through.
Comprehensive-Menu44@reddit
If you’re too embarrassed to buy them in public, you shouldn’t be having sex.
Gaming_with_batman@reddit
Never done it before but I would probably see it as a power move because that means that you are expecting in the semi near future to have sex with someone which implies having acquired a boyfriend/girlfriend which is a feat
Agonze@reddit
Who tf gets embarrassed because they're gonna have sex
Everblossom22@reddit
As someone that used to be a cashier as a young woman I can tell you that some people are embarrassed and some aren’t. I would never comment about them to the customer, but you can tell which people feel weird about buying them and which don’t. I even had an old man apologize for buying them since I was the only register open at the time and he was hoping to find a male cashier instead.
JurisUrsus@reddit
I was once embarrassed to buy them. But, one night when I was 20 I was driving out to the lake with my girlfriend we realized we needed some. I stopped a gas station and went up to buy condoms, Cokes, and some snacks. The clerk (a middle aged woman) looked out the window at my car and asked "is that the lucky lady?" I said yes. She then said "you two have fun tonight" or something like that as I was paying. Anyway, it dawned on me a that moment that there was no reason to be embarrassed as I was on my way to having a very fun evening. After that interaction I no longer cared.
MuchDevelopment7084@reddit
Is your friend a teenager?
coltflory5@reddit
Yes, this can happen.
Number-2-Sis@reddit
It's a lot less embarrassing then an unplanned pregnancy because you were to embarrassed to buy condoms, and a lot cheaper!
eckokittenbliss@reddit
There are still cashiers at grocery stores? Lol
My stores are all self checkout
Dapper-Presence4975@reddit
I worked at CVS in high school in the 1990s. Chastising someone for buying condoms for safe sex was by far the least offensive thing I ever saw. I also never commented on it, because a grown adult did not need my teenage hot take. So, no this isn’t a thing and if it is, the person needs managerial coaching.
Quirky_Commission_56@reddit
I’ve never been embarrassed about buying condoms. When used correctly they prevent the spread of disease and the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy.
cottoncandymandy@reddit
No. Buying birth control is not embarrassing. Young people often get embarrassed over it but mature people who don't want kids or aids are fine with buying it and not embarrassed.
I was a cashier for a very long time and I never commented on what people bought unless it was food that looked good and I wanted to try just to make polite conversation. I understood that people have to buy things that may be sensitive so I just hurried along and never mentioned it.
Angsty_Potatos@reddit
I think if you get embarrassed about buying rubbers you're probably not mature enough to be participating in the activities that require them.
Winery-OG@reddit
If you’re embarrassed to buy condoms, you’re not mature enough to have sex. Full stop.
Background-Idea-1148@reddit
Some people are embarrassed but really its not embarrassing at all
acorpcop@reddit
I once had to buy baby oil, a jar of Vaseline, and two boxes of Whitman samplers at Walgreens. That got an odd look from the cashier. (I looked at her and said I've got one kid covered in fake tattoos, the other one with a raw runny nose, and I have to take the chocolate in to a work thing).
Buying condoms (I've not used them in 28 years) just shows that someone is getting laid. No one particularly cares who's getting laid.
HairyDadBear@reddit
Former cashier here. We don't care. Have fun.
showerbabies1@reddit
It might be awkward for the person buying them if they are young and immature. Cashiers don’t care - you’re one of hundreds of people they ring up in a day and just want to get you out quickly.
sjedinjenoStanje@reddit
Condoms, Rose! CONDOMS! CONDOMS! CONDOMS!
Prinessbeca@reddit
Came here specifically for this. Thank you.
r2d3x9@reddit
Definitely embarrassing. Especially if you know the cashier or it’s a girl
tarheel_204@reddit
I’m in my late 20s now and I’ve literally never had a cashier make any kind of comment. Just business as usual.
It’s not embarrassing either honestly. How is someone going to seriously make fun of you for having sex lmao
LeSkootch@reddit
Nah it's not embarrassing. The only time I've been embarrassed buying them was at a Walmart I had to stop in to get a pack and they were locked up so I had to ask the clerk for a specific one and that just made me unnecessarily uncomfortable. I avoid that store like the plague but at that specific time there wasn't another option.
Most stores have self checkout though so if it's not at a store where they treat everyone like criminals, you can do that.
masonic-youth@reddit
Yeah having sex is so emabrassing
MohaveZoner@reddit
I personally don't give a fuck what other people think.
MoonieNine@reddit
It's a maturity thing. Teenagers are embarrassed, but shouldn't be. Good for you for protecting yourself. I was never embarrassed and once used a coupon.
Helo227@reddit
Nope. Bought myself some rope, chocolate syrup, and condoms one day. No questions asked, no comments made.
When you’re young and hyper-self-conscience it can feel embarrassing for you, and maybe if you have an a-hole classmate around when you buy condoms, they might make a comment. But 99.9% of people aren’t going to even think about what you’re buying, much less comment on it.
KW5625@reddit
Went to a Walmart in a small secluded town, bought kitchen knives, trash bags, bleach, Ziploc bags, rubber gloves, paper towels, big ass tote, and printer paper. Fully expected the cops to pull me over 20 minutes later but nothing happened. They were donations for a large cat rescue.
hawthornetree@reddit
You might well know the cashiers at the supermarket socially if it's a smaller town. Like my kid's HS peer rings up my groceries and makes small talk about my kid's plans.
GotchUrarse@reddit
Not completely related, but back in the 80's, my parents owned a small store. I was working and the hot chick from high-school entered. She had to by tampons. It was the most awkward transaction I had to make. I never spoke of this and I think she did likewise. And now I'll continue to forget it.
videogames_@reddit
It used to be more embarassing before self-checkout.
Biteme75@reddit
No; cashiers don't care.
Meattyloaf@reddit
Its kinda weird when youre younger. My first experience buying them I had another customer try to make it weird. As you mature you just stop caring.
This-Reindeer6063@reddit
It's only embarrassing if you make it embarrassing.
2PlasticLobsters@reddit
Most stores in the US have self-checkouts now. There's no need for a cashier to be involved. And most people are too absorbed in their own shopping to notice what anyone else is getting. Even if they did, very few people would comment on anything another person was buying.
Maybe your friend is more self-conscious than most people, or has social anxiety.
Bargle-Nawdle-Zouss@reddit
One would think that, at least for guys, it would be a flex, not a cause for embarrassment. "Hey, I'm about to have sex!"
I can see how it would be embarrassing for women, especially younger women, given how women's sexuality is unfortunately still often viewed from a perspective of Shame. However, women 30 and older, at least in the US, just don't seem to give a damn anymore... and good for them!
GrassyKnoll95@reddit
It’s only embarrassing if you choose to be embarrassed by it. The cashier doesn’t give a fuck what you buy
Alycion@reddit
IMO, if buying them embarrassed you, you need to look at your maturity level and if it’s at a point got sex.
If you are having sex, there is nothing embarrassing about buying birth control products. Women have to buy products every month for their period. Pre delivery, we had no choice.
Yes, you will occasionally get a cashier who likes to make a comment. Not just with condoms, but with anything you buy. One did this to my husband when he was getting my feminine hygiene products. My husband’s response, I have a girl waiting for me at home, do you? The kid never made a comment on purchase from us again.
HermioneMarch@reddit
Try buying pregnancy tests. Where I live they like to lock them up so you are required to ask assistance and then tell them which one you want.
Loud_Inspector_9782@reddit
Go through the self checkout line.
donac@reddit
I have been the primary shopper in my family for over 25 years and I have literally never noticed another human being buying anything sex related. Not because others don't buy it, but because I literally never pay attention to what other people are buying. I'm guessing thats how most people are, we just don't care, because it's not that interesting.
Exception: if you are buying a TON of one single item, I will vaguely wonder what you're planning to do with all that (eggs, soda, laundry detergent) etc. But other than that, other people's shopping is just not that interesting.
wiserTyou@reddit
I think it's just a confidence thing. I had no problem slapping them on the counter and saying "I'm going to put these to good use." I'm guessing it is/ was different for young women though, and they may have faced more judgement.
tcrhs@reddit
I’ve never been embarrassed to buy condoms. An unwanted pregnancy would be more embarrassing.
NecessaryPopular1@reddit
🥱 oh 💤to the anti-Americans people.
Intelligent-Invite79@reddit
I’ve never once felt awkward buying condoms.
LQ323@reddit
Only sad and insecure men are embarrassed to buy condoms.
MakeStupidHurtAgain@reddit
We all have main character syndrome and imagine that the cashier will be laughing at us. “Imagine this guy thinking he needs a whole box of condoms.”
There’s the whole idiotic men-being-afraid-to-buy-period-products thing that’s related. Like, oh no, they’ll think I’m a woman instead of just living in a household with a woman. Just stupid.
In reality, and I say this as a former retail worker, we absolutely DGAF what you buy.
oswin13@reddit
Cashiers proundly don't care.
Bluemonogi@reddit
I doubt the cashier would comment.
Some people do feel embarrassed about buying things like condoms so might buy more than one thing so it doesn’t stand out as much.
big_data_mike@reddit
I bought condoms at the drug store once on Valentine’s Day when I was 18. The cashier was also a younger guy and he said, “I see you’ve got your Valentine’s Day lined up.”
When you get older you stop giving a fuck about what the cashier will think.
Upset-Government-856@reddit
Lol I always thought it was a flex to buy them.
We're not supposed to care what other people think... but spoiler, we always do at least a bit.
ReactionAble7945@reddit
If you get embarrassed buying condoms you probably shouldnt be having sex.
PurplishPlatypus@reddit
There is a bit of awkwardness, but I was a cashier for years and people buy condoms and all kinds of stuff. I dont really care. As long s you're not acting weird, I scan and bag and move on. Just another thing to scan. Not like I'm memorizing your face. I will say though, if you look very young and buying that, I will die a bit in side worrying about you.
NitinTheAviator@reddit
My immature ass would be trying not to chuckle if someone were to buy condoms.
Trimyr@reddit
I had just remembered this the other day from when I was younger, not a supermarket but a gas station. I asked for a 3 pack and the attendant said, "What? Where are you going?"
He thought I meant 3 boxes. It was worth a laugh.
If I someone in line trying to hide a grin buying condoms, I'll just smile a little to myself and think, 'You guys have fun, and at least you're thinking ahead.' then go on with my day.
The one not-quite embarrassing time was when I went pretty late at night to get toilet paper, diapers, and cat litter. "Shitty day, huh?" - I couldn't respond. Just laughed a little at my lack of thinking ahead.
oneislandgirl@reddit
If you are mature enough to have sex, you should be mature enough to handle purchasing condoms.
quietlywatching6@reddit
And somebody who works in retail, it happens but not as often as you think. Actually I feel like we have way more cases of where the person is already embarrassed so they make a comment to try to deal with their own embarrassment. But it's less of an embarrassment that they're buying condoms, it's more about being embarrassed that they have to ask for them. So due to theft issues, they're very popular for stealing, most times you have to ask for them at the counter and then they get them for you. And that can be a little embarrassing for people. More often men than women have that awkwardness,. I noticed it happens more in small towns, then it does in like huge bake cities. Probably because well everybody knows everybody's business. I have learned way too much about parents who don't trust their children to wrap up then I ever wanted to know.
babassu_seeds@reddit
Exactly this. I remember once it was like a sitcom: I asked for condoms, the guy didn't hear, had to repeat, then asked for size, said medium, had to repeat, now with two people behind me, I was buying a good number of items so he got into a Super Bowl convo about a prev bet w the girl behind me, whom he knew--by the time he rang everything up he had forgotten about the condoms so I had to ask AGAIN.
Now I'm sure I'm medium condom guy to him lol. (And yep, small neighborhood, so I see him regularly)
TheMissLady@reddit
At my Walmart you have to get an associate to unlock the case, and then they have to personally hand the condoms to the cashier, I guess to prevent stealing. No shocker people almost never buy condoms there
bloopidupe@reddit
When I was a teen cashier, I was more embarrassed about IDing people for alcohol vs ringing up condoms.
My2026GV70@reddit
One of the best reasons for self-checkout.
MattressBBQ@reddit
I buy them and don't give a flying fuck what anyone thinks.
Gloomy-Difference-51@reddit
Just depends on how mature the person buying them is.
alphaturducken@reddit
If someone will say something about condoms, they'll say something about anything. Most people don't care and just wanna get out of the store and go home but I've had people comment on buying dog food ("I guess you got a big guy!"), work boots ("Cute to see you getting things for your husband" they're actually for me but okay, thanks) and actually yesterday the bagger saw my ice cream, bag of jalapenos, pack of toilet paper, dryer sheets, and dishwasher detergent and said "Wow you have so so many random things! I mean what are you even planning???" People will comment on anything, it doesn't matter.
RhinoPillMan@reddit
Safe sex isn’t embarrassing.
johannaishere@reddit
Your friend might be serious that they are self conscious about it but no. 1) No one cares what the hell the person in front of them is buying they just hope they’re fast. 2) No one thinks about each other that much. 3) Even when someone HAS commented on my purchase (like twice in my entire life) you both then go on with your day and forget that that happened. People who worry about what the cashier thinks have never been a cashier I promise they don’t care.
Courwes@reddit
I buy them all the time and they never say something or give any looks. Maybe some teenager might but the adults don’t care at all.
We also have a lot of self checkouts so you can use those if you don’t want to interact with anyone.
North_Artichoke_6721@reddit
A clerk once smirked at me and my husband and said “looks like you’re gonna have a good weekend.”
HikeTheSky@reddit
Not really, I buy all kinds of stuff and have picked up bras and other stuff for friends. Why would this be different?
disheavel@reddit
I had a friend in college a decade back who was doing a sociology experiment, and she went to 10 stores and bought soap, shampoo, and a box of condoms. She then complained that the condoms rang up at the wrong price. All 10 checkout clerks gave them to her for free rather than call for a price check or a manager. (She left them at the cash register and didn’t actually take them. ) So there is absolutely feelings about condoms, but generally people just want to avoid any awkwardness.
camp1728@reddit
lol no one cares that you’re buying condoms. The cashier is just trying to make it through their shift.
VitruvianDude@reddit
My brother-in-law was a lawyer, and he told me about a young man who shoplifted condoms because he was too embarrassed to take them to the young female cashier. When I later became sexually active, I remembered that story, so when I asked for condoms behind the counter, and the two young ladies didn't know what I was asking for, it didn't faze me. Eventually, they figured it out -- "He's asking for rubbers!"
carmineragu@reddit
I had a friend that worked in a convenience store and they kept the condoms behind the counter. Whenever someone asked for them she always asked “Small, Medium or Large”. The answer was almost always Medium and never small. 😂
HuaHuzi6666@reddit
It’s only an issue for young people tbh. People who have been having sex for years just buy condoms like any other errand.
Littleboypurple@reddit
It's an Age/Maturity thing mostly. It can be a little embarrassing to buy them when you're still a young adult but, now that I'm in my late 20s, I don't really care. I've bought personal lube at the Supermarket before and been to sex shops, if they wanna make a comment, oh well. Go right ahead. Back when I did online orders for a Supermarket, I'd rarely get somebody order condoms and/or lube with their pickup. I'd make a comment when grabbing it like "Well, somebody is gonna have some fun." Yet never said anything to the customer because it ain't my business what they do and I didn't really care in the end.
GOW_vSabertooth2@reddit
The only time I had someone comment was when I was in high school I was grabbing some for the homecoming dance that night and the older guy said, “you’re smarter than I was at your age, that’s a good man” I didn’t need them though cause I was a loser in high school
ratchetcoutoure@reddit
imho only when one is young or growing up sheltered, particularly one where sex is treated as a taboo. But the first steps is always the hardest, but once you did it, the next time gets easier.
Great_Chipmunk4357@reddit
Cashiers would NEVER say anything. For the most part, they couldn’t care less who’s buying what.
Sufficient_Cod1948@reddit
As someone who worked as a cashier when I was younger, I can assure you that the cashier does not care what you are buying and will forget about you 2 seconds after you pay and leave.
wieldymouse@reddit
People get embarrassed about buying a lot of things. Depends on the person and situation.
gleaming-the-cubicle@reddit
insert incontinence joke here
wieldymouse@reddit
Exactly. lol
Secure-Ad9780@reddit
When I was a pharmacist I kept little brown bags near the condoms. Young, shy teens would wait until no other customers were near the pharmacy counter, then bring me the bag to ring up. The cashier's at the front of the store were young high school kids.
DO_its@reddit
This happened to a married coworker with two kids. Someone walked by while he was selecting condoms. He got nervous and just grabbed a box.
He didn’t notice they were the ones that help you last longer. The ones with Benzocaine on them. He said the feeling was the worst thing he’s ever felt.
So I’d say, yes. Some Americans get nervous when buying condoms.
rsrxciii@reddit
It's only embarrassing if you care about what others think about what you're purchasing. It's only weird if you make it weird.
GlobalTapeHead@reddit
Just go to self checkout.
gleaming-the-cubicle@reddit
This is a common fear for teenagers but the reality is that cashiers overwhelmingly could not give one hot fart about what you buy
This may be a problem if you are part of a conservative religious community or something but it's not the norm
knifeyspoonysporky@reddit
When you are young you feel mortified to be judged by strangers.
As you mature you realize no one else really cares as we all have our own busy lives so it’s not worth it feeling embarrassed to buy condoms/tampons/yeast infection treatment ointment etc
Rastard_the_Black@reddit
A liter of vodka, condoms, and anal lube might get a comment or an odd look but not just condoms.
RedLegGI@reddit
Felt super awkward for sure until you realize they’re openly for sale on the shelf and that’s ok
LSBm5@reddit
I used to buy condoms, roses, and a huge jar of ranch dressing.
old-town-guy@reddit
If you’re embarrassed to be seen buying condoms, you shouldn’t be having sex.
NYerInTex@reddit
OH NO, IM GETTING LAID AND EVERYONE WILL KNOW IT!
Crazycatlover@reddit
Only teenagers find that embarrassing.
DOMSdeluise@reddit
it can be kind of embarrassing if you are self conscious or on the younger side but overall not really. also I haven't bought condoms in like a decade lol. long term relationship/marriage... simply epic.
Pointe97@reddit
Tbh it’s most embarrassing in the USA because they often have them in a locked display case, making you have to either retrieve an employee yourself or press the call button and have “ASSOCIATE NEEDED IN FAMILY PLANNING” announced over the loud speaker. It’s fking mortifying. Way less of ab embarrassment to just order it online.
Coldfyre_Dusty@reddit
Typically nobody ever comments, but if I'm going to buy anything vaguely embarrassing, I'm going somewhere with self checkout. Condoms would probably be on that list as well
MetroBS@reddit
Nobody would ever make a comment like that, they’d probably get fired if they did
taskforceslacker@reddit
We are a much more prudish culture than many, particularly European.
brian11e3@reddit
The trick to buying condoms is to also buy 3 other items that seem questionable when purchased with condoms.
turquoise_amethyst@reddit
Last time I bought some, the guy behind the counter got super flustered, nervous, and scanned them multiple times.
Then he had to call a manager over to delete them. I was trying not to cry-laugh at him, but the guy was SO upset
Worse yet, he was about 20, and there was a line of 30-40 year old women laughing at this
DarwinGhoti@reddit
No one is paying attention or cares. Embarrassment is all internal; I don’t think that’s an American thing though.
PeorgieT75@reddit
I wasn’t embarrassed, they knew I was going to get some.
geri73@reddit
I had a guy state that he needed the extra large condoms more than once at Walmart. I did laugh a little.
juan_humano@reddit
It seemed awkward when I was a teenager. Later in life I definitely didnt gaf. Especially after working at a gas station and selling condoms all day, every day. When you do something that often, any kind of investment in the experience goes away. You want a bunch of condoms, some chore boy, one of the roses in the little glass tubes, and a handle of vodka? No problem. Third time today I rang up exactly that same order.
freedraw@reddit
Grocery store cashiers in the US are not going to comment on you having condoms in your cart, just like they’re not going to comment if you have tampons or laxatives or adult diapers or any other health products. They don’t give a shit what you’re doing tonight and they definitely don’t want to say anything that’s going to get them written up when a disgruntled customer complains to a manager.
Sure, I’m sure some young people are embarrassed to have them in their cart or to ask the convenience store cashier to get them from behind the counter, but that’s all in the customer’s head.
Frigoris13@reddit
They usually announce it over the loud speaker if you're buying condoms.
RaineMist@reddit
My boyfriend and I once got condoms from the store. No one said anything.
Most cashiers just want you to get your stuff and go.
Maurice_Foot@reddit
Back when I was dating, no one ever said anything about buying condoms but this was in the 80s and 90s.
baalroo@reddit
Your friend is probably just an immature and insecure narcissist.
No, no normal adult cares and we understand the cashier does not know us and does not care what we buy.
The_Nermal_One@reddit
When I was of that age, I always made sure the cashier was a dude. I (FALSELY) assumed the female cashier knew I was buying them so I could hit on HER.
Certain-Monitor5304@reddit
It's only embarrassing for the cashier when you buy a cucumber, tub of Vaseline, bottle of rum and a box of condoms and don't do self checkout.
IcyGrapefruit5006@reddit
I mean sure, people may find it awkward or embarrassing. I’d say the likelihood of a cashier saying something is low, but I won’t say impossible.
angry_gavin@reddit
Not really. It’s a pretty normal thing to do
DrGlennWellnessMD@reddit
Tell your friend self-checkout exists. And has for a long time now
Fun_Cardiologist_373@reddit
Nope. He's just joking. No one cares.
dewsh@reddit
He might not be joking and just embarrassed himself. Some people are like that.
mrs_spacetime0@reddit
Its not something that actually happens often irl but its a trope in movies and also just a fear people have bc they internally feel a bit of shame or embarrassment and get anxious/paranoid somethings going to happen.
btnzgb@reddit
I work in a grocery store and can promise you know one cares. If someone feels embarrassed it is entirely one sided because the cashier could not care less about what you are purchasing.
Individual_Check_442@reddit
I never was really embarrassed about it; I used to work at a 7-11 and I would absolutely never react the way you describe the cashier reacting, because I know people might feel awkward about it and that won’t help. The cashier should handle it like any other transaction.
Cheeko914@reddit
Keep in mind you aren’t the first person the cashier has rang up condoms for.
ChessieChesapeake@reddit
It doesn’t really happen, but there’s always the random person who has no sense of social graces.
TraumaTeamTwo2@reddit
The problem is trying them on at the store. That can be embarrassing…
BuildNuyTheUrbanGuy@reddit
When I was young I thought it was cool.
jrc_80@reddit
Sex is used so heavily in commercial marketing while being demonized morally, anything public facing associated with sex for many, many folks can be quite a dissonant experience.
IHaveBoxerDogs@reddit
If you’re starring in a comedy, sure. In reality I’ve never had that happen.
LateReadingNights@reddit
It can be tense, it’s an intimate thing, but no one actually cares. All good.
DragonThem@reddit
It definitely does happen but I’m not sure how prevalent it is. America has a weird relationship to sex, though, and in more conservative areas and depending on your age, embarrassment can be more common
MardawgNC@reddit
In the 80s maybe. Nowadays no one cares.