I would rub the opening of a bag between my fingers, then palms, as empathetic onlookers continually suggested. I would try and pick the bag open or scrunch it in my hand (short of tossing it to the floor and stomping on it), in an attempt to loosen its iron grip. I searched for water droplets among the fruit and vegetable trestles (never to be found), as wetness always seemed to do the trick. God forbid I licked my finger!

While it took fifteen seconds to fill a bag with goods, ten minutes would be wasted unlocking the wretched thing. I was close to pulling my hair out. Mind you, the hand sanitiser available at each store entrance since the beginning of the pandemic, has been a godsend. As I entered the supermarket each week, I made sure to seize and hurriedly open the number of plastic bags I needed with the last bit of remaining moisture on my hands. This worked beautifully and not one swear word arose. However, hopefully this method is not sustainable as we endeavour to heal through the Covid-19 virus, although I assume, sanitiser will stick around for a long while.

Now I am able to completely rub the antiseptic gel into my hands because I am finally educated. Last week a friend of mine, who happens to work in the produce department of my local supermarket, giggled as she noticed me wrestle with yet another uncooperative, produce bag. Quickly coming to my aid before police were called on the grounds of me disturbing the peace, she pointed out the most amazing thing!

“If you hold the bag up and look along the sides, you will see one side marginally overlaps the other just enough to grab it with the tips of your forefinger and thumb,” she said.

“Oh, my goodness, you’re right!” I shrieked.

As Tracey proceeded to pull the overlapping piece, the two top adjoining corners of that side separated to form a small, hollow triangle shape, enough to manoeuvre my hands to easily grab both sides of the plastic bag. From there, one shake and the bag was open, ready to be filled.

Seriously, after all these years, how have I never noticed that little overlapping bit?! Although in my defence, you almost require a bionic eye to perceive it. Sheepishly I calmed down and suddenly felt all my Christmases had come at once. That enlightening moment was worth celebrating.

I’m forever indebted to Tracey for her forthcoming wisdom. Not only will my sanity stay intact, my blood pressure remain normal and I’ll refrain from offending fellow shoppers within earshot, but grocery shopping may possibly transform into a new, enjoyable experience. Then again, I wouldn’t quite go that far, but at the very least it will thankfully take up less of my precious time.

Camilla Hullick