A forensic psychologist has sparked intense debate after revealing why she never returns her shopping cart to designated trolley bays in supermarket carparks.
Posting on social media, Dr Leslie Dobson shared her controversial stance in a video that has attracted more than 12 million views.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Psychologist reveals why you should never return your shopping trolley
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“I’m not returning my shopping cart,” the doctor, from the US, said.
“And you can judge me all you want.
“I’m not getting my groceries into the car, getting my children into the car and then leaving them in the car to go return the cart.
“So if you’re going to give me a dirty look, f*** off.”
The video attracted thousands of opinions from other shoppers who slammed the woman as “selfish” and “entitled”.
“If you can get the cart, you can return the cart,” one said.
Another added: “The shopping cart theory states that the decision to return a shopping cart to its designated spot after use is a litmus test of a person’s moral character and capacity for self-governance.”
But the psychologist — who uses the handle @drlesliedobson — said her decision to never return her shopping trolley is about keeping herself and her children safe from “predators”.
In an interview with Newsweek, the mum called on other women to refuse to return trolleys to designated areas in carparks.
“When I heard that women were returning their shopping carts to avoid judgement, I wanted to make a video to tell them they don’t have to because it is dangerous and there is a point of vulnerability for a predator when you return to your car, leave your children, and return the cart, or take the children with you in the cart,” she said in the interview.
“Predators watch us for a long time before they act and if you feel threatened or unsafe in the parking lot, social niceties do not apply, the protection of your children takes precedence.
“If I don’t feel safe and my kids are in the car, I will usually put the cart in front of my car or put two wheels up on the grass or a parking lot stop. I make sure the car won’t roll anywhere and that it’s safe and I also make sure it’s not blocking a parking spot.”
She also hit out at the thousands of social media users who criticised her stance.
“I have received a lot of flippant and ignorant comments from people who have watched the video for about five or seven seconds, and then have not understood who I am, my career, the mission, or the other videos about the minions of predators and child trafficking,” she told Newsweek.
However, many TikTok users held firm with their belief, lashing out at the psychologist.
“I have three kids and I either park right next to a return or bring them with me to return the cart. It’s just the decent thing to do,” said one.
Another said: “You sound like a wonderful person.”
But others supported the woman’s stance.
“I agree with you 100 per cent,” one said.
Another said: “I’ve thought the same thing. Even by myself, walking way down away from my car to the cart corral is dangerous these days … I’m with you on this.”
