As one in four relationships end in tears over supermarket tiffs, find out if you’re a dominant or submissive shopper
SUPERMARKET squabbles with the other half can be big trouble for relationships.
Whether it’s daggers at the deli counter or a toilet-roll tiff, the “big shop” has ended in tears for one in four of us, a poll for bookmaker freebets.ie found.
Yasmin Harisha has a quiz to see if you’re dominant or submissive in the aisles.
See how you score, below, and read psychologist Emma Kenny’s advice at the bottom.
Questions
1 GIVEN the choice, would you rather shop:
a) Alone – you do it best
b) With your other half
c) Not at all
2. WHEN it comes to packing, do you:
a) Have a very specific system
b) Chuck anything in any bag
c) Follow your partner’s lead
3. YOUR partner chooses random stuff. Do you:
a) Blow your top
b) Smile patiently and stealthily remove some items
c) Shrug it off
4. HOW do you and your partner shop?
a) As a pair, you leading way
b) Split up and trust each other to pick up essentials
c) You wander off and pass time while they shop
5. LEAVING the supermarket, how do you feel?
a) Stressed but satisfied you stuck to the plan
b) Fine but you think you probably forgot something
c) Deflated, as you didn’t get half the things you wanted
6. WHEN do you prefer to do your shop?
a) Same time each week or two
b) When cupboards are bare
c) Whenever partner wants to
7. WHEN it comes to the budget, do you:
a) Stick to it, unless you see something you really want
b) Go rogue – look for deals but sometimes overspend
c) Forsake something to avoid blowing the budget
8. WHAT is your main “big shop” role?
a) Writing the list and managing the packing
b) Varies week by week
c) Putting the trolley back or carrying bags
Your score
MOSTLY As – YOU’RE A “BIG SHOP” DOM: Bossing the aisle, you are always dominant.
You would prefer to shop solo, and wield the list throughout the military operation.
You seethe as your partner fails to make the simplest decisions.
MOSTLY Bs – YOU DIDDLE IN THE MIDDLE: Easy-going, but you pitch in where necessary.
You have a list, but it’s no big deal if you or your partner stray. In an ideal world, you’d share the shopping load.
MOSTLY Cs – YOU’RE A SUPERMARKET SUB: You let your other half take charge as you submissively meander.
If you dare to shop alone, you leave without things you need.
HOW IT AFFECTS RELATIONSHIPS
TWO DOMS DON’T MAKE A RIGHT: If both of you want to wear the trousers, it’ll get explosive.
A power struggle can make for a stressful outing.
To keep the peace, divvy up duties – one handles the groceries, while the other looks after the household essentials.
TWO SUBS CAN SINK A SHOPPING SHIP: If you are both more laid-back than a Sunday morning, then overspending, forgotten essentials and wandering aimlessly can spell disaster.
Make a list together and stick to it.
Assign tasks to streamline the process and avoid those “What did we come here for?” moments.
A DOM AND A SUB, EITHER HEAVEN, OR HELL: This combo can mean bliss or a bust-up.
If you’re the dominant partner, you’re the boss making sure the list is checked off.
Your submissive other half helps, making everything run smoothly.
But beware – if you’re too controlling, they might feel ignored.
Consider their needs and encourage them to speak up. Share responsibilities.
TWO DIDDLES. . .THE SWEET SPOT: You two nail teamwork.
Sharing the load and decision-making means shopping is efficient and harmonious.
Mutual respect and collaboration make for a stress-free experience.
You enjoy the challenge of the shop and see it as an opportunity to bond.