Invisibility Syndrome Strikes Again!

It would appear that, in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a new syndrome of sorts making the rounds. Could it perhaps be the beginning of a new epidemic?

It would seem that I, and others in my circle, have become suddenly vulnerable to attacks of invisibility upon entering supermarkets. This immediately leaves us particularly susceptible to bashings from shopping trolleys, and continual pushing from oblivious shoppers. So far, suggest remedies have included such things as hula hoops with attached spikes, or those Zorb-type bubbles.

Alright, so perhaps I exaggerate a little. But really, are these people seriously not seeing me as I'm walking down the aisle? I'm 5'10" and not remotely a small woman. Is it really that impossible to maneuver a shopping trolley around me instead of running into me, before walking on without so much as an apology? Personally, I find that an individual of my size tends to be rather 'present' in the world.

Is it too much to ask that when I go shopping people not continuously run into me, push past me, or step on me? Would it also be too much to ask that if someone runs into me, they might actually say something appropriately apologetic? Is that too Canadian of me?

Years ago I remember commenting to one lady - after she ran into my 5 year old for the second time - "you could at least say sorry to her". She responded in an incredibly patronising tone that had I been "more in control" of my child or if my child "knew her limits" that it wouldn't have happened. She also questioned why she should apologise to someone so small. Well, madam, I suggest that anyone, regardless of size or age, deserves to be the recipient of basic manners and respect but far be it for me to contradict you.

It's amazing what conflict one's body and brain goes through when trying to decide whether to laugh hysterically at such foolish comments and behaviour or whether to slug the troglodyte responsible for them. I tend to choose to sneer, mutter under my breath (made all the easier with this new mask-wearing era we live in!), call them a name (quietly), and walk away...all while making a mental note to crash into them next time I encounter them. Passive agressive much?

Somehow I cannot imagine being quite so blind or self-absorbed that I don't notice others around me, regardless of their age, size, or presence. Seriously. What a crock!