Get out of line

Don't wait if you don't have to

Every year, Ben and Jerry’s offers a “Free Cone Day.” Inevitably, the lines are out the door. So, inevitably, in my curmudgeonly way, I spend Free Cone Day wondering why people would wait for an hour in a line to save a few dollars.

Let’s just say I dislike lines. Yes, I willingly wait in some. But if it’s possible to skip them — and at least sometimes it is — then you can probably come up with better ways to spend your time.

For instance, I pass a fast food restaurant frequently where cars are piled up for the drive through. The parking lot itself is often empty. It seems like someone could park, go in, order and get their food, and get back out to their car in less time than they’d spend in line. I know this is true with one of my kids’ camp carlines — where you have the option to park and just get the kid via the backdoor on foot. Yes, I have to leave my air-conditioned car but I have spent 15-plus minutes in that carline in the past. I’m glad for the option!

I am also flummoxed by security lines at airports where, at least for my US listeners, TSA Pre-Check has been available for years. Or the lines to check bags! (I’m a big fan of not checking bags; is taking your own shampoo really worth waiting in an extra line?).

Sometimes people wind up waiting in lines because they don’t look around. When there’s a line for the ladies room at a stadium, I’ll try walking down to the next one. Maybe it’s just as bad, but often it isn’t. I also try to park my car close to the exit of a parking lot during big events. I might have to walk farther to the venue but hey, that’s purposeful exercise — and you can save big time in the line on the way out.

The point is that time is valuable. Time in line can be hard to use well. Maybe if you’re reading an ebook it’s fine, or chatting with a companion. But think hard about whether it’s worth subjecting yourself to a line you don’t have to be in. I know Ben and Jerry’s is good, but most days of the year you can zip in and buy a cone — saving yourself an hour for just a few dollars!