People Who Always Return Their Cart At The Grocery Store Usually Have These 11 Traits

It seems like nothing to see shopping carts left all over the parking lot of the grocery store. Everywhere except where they belong. Most people do not think twice about doing this, and they definitely are not considering what it might say about the traits they possess.

When an individual takes responsibility for themselves and returns the cart, they show signs of having many positive personality traits. They can see the bigger picture of what doing even such a small task like returning their cart does for society and their community.

People who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these 11 traits:

1. They're conscientious and responsible

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits conscientiousness Prostock-studio / Shutterstock

People who always return their cart at a grocery store tend to share the trait of conscientiousness. “Conscientiousness is a core personality trait that involves being diligent, responsible, and careful. When someone is conscientious, they are able to exercise self-discipline and self-control to pursue and ultimately achieve their goals,” according to Sherri Gordon, a certified professional life coach.

By considering how the lack of doing this act impacts the people around them, they feel an obligation to put the shopping cart where it belongs. Having the ability also to regulate their behavior and practice self-discipline so that it aligns with societal expectations allows them to complete even seemingly smaller acts of service successfully.

2. The have integrity and do the right thing (even when no one's looking)

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits deep-seated integrity Around the World Photos / Shutterstock

Someone who always returns their shopping cart shows that they have deep-seated integrity. They stay true to what they know is morally right and refuse to change their ways when it comes to their morality.

An act like returning a shopping cart is something voluntary, and by consistently doing it when at the grocery store, it shows that a person is willing to commit to the social contract without being forced to do so. They understand that in order for a community to function smoothly and properly, every person has to pitch in, even in small ways, and they choose to do the right thing for the community.

3. They're empathetic, thinking about employees and other shoppers

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits empathy Zamrznuti tonovi / Shutterstock

The act of constantly returning a shopping cart shows that a person has empathy for others. They consider the impact this one act will have not only on the grocery store employees but also on the other customers.

By deeply considering that employees have to collect the carts and customers may have to encounter carts while driving through the parking lot if they are not where they belong, they realize that in order to ensure that both parties have the least amount of difficulties to face, they simply decide to return the cart. A selfless act like this gives them no personal gain, but they still do it for others.

4. They're socially responsible and feel a duty to keep shared spaces clean

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People who always return their shopping carts usually demonstrate a sense of social responsibility. They take ownership of their actions and have social consideration.

They are willing to endure minor inconveniences as long as it means it will benefit others, and they have a deep respect for shared spaces. They feel committed to their civic duty and believe that doing acts like this is for the common good of the community.

5. They can hold off on instant gratification

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits delayed gratification Miljan Zivkovic / Shutterstock

A person is accepting delayed gratification when they return their shopping cart. Instead of needing the instant reward of being able to leave their shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot and being able to get right into their car, they hold out for the gratification.

Although returning the car has no direct personal gain, it has long-term rewards. Collectively, it is helping to keep the parking lots safe for drivers and keeping employees a little bit happier, so the shopping experience is a good experience, which ultimately does benefit them.

6. They follow their own moral compass

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits self-governance Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

According to the “shopping cart theory,” someone who consistently returns their shopping cart possesses the trait of self-governance. Considering the act is not something that is required of the public, and it is the right thing to do, someone who regularly does this act has self-discipline and moral character.

The theory acts as a litmus test that helps identify someone’s moral compass. “Our moral compass directs us to be good members of our community who are capable of doing good things when there is no reward and no punishment either way,” explains Altitude Community Law, a firm that delivers effective solutions to issues to improve communities.

7. They're accountable for their actions

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits accountability Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock

Someone has accountability if they always return their shopping cart after they have finished shopping. Since this is not a responsibility that comes with repercussions or any legal consequences, many people end up just leaving their carts in the same place they unload them at.

The people who do return their carts are accepting their social responsibility and being accountable for their actions. They used the cart, so they feel responsible for putting the cart where it belongs. “This seemingly minor behavior highlights an individual’s ability to act with respect and accountability even when no one is watching. It’s a testament to one’s character — a small but significant reflection of how they value community, shared spaces, and the unseen efforts of others,” according to Jason Hendrix, an organizational leadership and communications professor.

8. They believe everyone should do their part for society to work

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The people who consistently return their shopping carts at the grocery store show that they have social trust. They believe that for society to function, small and cooperative behaviors must take place by the individuals in a community, simply for the common good.

These individuals also believe that other people will also do what is morally correct and return their carts. They trust that since it is a shared system and space, others will also want to keep it functioning in the best and most optimized way possible.

9. They're mindful about how little actions make life easier for others

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits mindfulness Zamrznuti tonovi / Shutterstock

A person who returns their shopping cart at the grocery store is extremely mindful. If someone makes a habit out of this, it shows their self-awareness, the awareness they have of their surroundings, and a consideration of the well-being of others.

A mindful individual will understand when an act is the right thing to do, and they do not have to be bribed by some kind of immediate reward in order to do what is morally right. They are also emotionally intelligent and can understand how much one act can help another person.

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10. They resist peer pressure

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits resistance to the crowd Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock

People who always return their shopping carts have the trait of resisting the crowd. Even if they see many other people leaving their shopping carts throughout the parking lot, they will still choose to do the right thing and will not be influenced by those around them.

They act independently of others and can govern themselves, regardless of what the majority does. The “shopping cart theory” suggests that this means the person who resists the crowd and returns the cart has a responsible and ethical character.

11. hey actually enjoy doing small good deeds just because it feels right

people who always return their cart at the grocery store usually have these traits joy in the small good deeds PintoArt / Shutterstock

Individuals who return their shopping cart every time they go to the grocery store tend to find joy in small good deeds. This means that people who do this act actually enjoy being able to take on the responsibility of putting their cart where it belongs.

By knowing that they left things better and they are positively contributing to their community, they will feel the joy as a result of their good deeds. Returning the cart may seem like a very small and almost insignificant task, but in the grand scheme of things, it leaves the community better and leaves a positive impact on the customers and employees of different stores.

Kamryn Idol is a writer with a bachelor's degree in media and journalism who covers lifestyle, relationship, family, and wellness topics.