Our life improved when we got rid of the paper grocery list on our refrigerator and instead started sharing an online *Google Doc that we always can access from our phones. That way, when either of us might happen to be near a store, we’ll know what current things could be picked up there. On one simple page, we have running lists for things to get at Aldi, Walmart, Hy-Vee, the Dollar Tree, Menards, etc. Once purchased, we delete the items so the other spouse knows the items were obtained.
This has been such a blessing, preventing us from 1) being in a store trying to remember what it was that we had written down and 2) keeping us from each buying the same thing unknowingly.
One day, just as a joke, I wrote “Something Special for Mark” on the Aldi section of the list. Always good at following directions, Cindy added to her 25-cent “rented” cart some little treat she knew I’d enjoy. Even though it was intended as a joke, I was surprised at how much her thoughtfulness meant to me
And I noticed something else. Unlike the other items purchased that day, Cindy hadn’t deleted my joke from the shopping list. Almost automatically, I quickly added “Something Special for Cindy” on the list. And now, months later, those are the only two items that perpetually remain on our shopping list. Now, when either of us goes to the store, we instinctively look for something thoughtful that we know the other would enjoy.
It’s just a small thing, but it makes a big difference. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way! I recommend you put a surprise for your spouse on your shopping list!
(*I’m sure there are shopping list apps that do the same thing as our Google Doc without having to type and erase so much. If you have any recommendations, please put them in the comments!)
Beautiful! Good idea too! Blessings to you both. <3