Why can’t I open this pesky packet?!

As a widow with poor grip, I use scissors or retractable knife… carefully… so far without mishap. I often wonder what the seller’s reaction would be if an item is returned as faulty/unsuitable, as return policies often state items “must be in original packaging.” By the way, Patrick: it’s drawer, not draw!

Pretty sure that the reason for some of the these packaging nightmares is to make it harder for thieves, for example when it comes to a cd, dvd or computer game most of the case are security tagged so a thieve would try and take the disk out of these case, the packaging they have prevents that, but yes it is a bit fiddly to open them at times.

My packaging bugbear is greetings cards. Easy to buy, impossible to open. I’ve torn many a card while trying to open the ‘protective’ plastic wrapping. Some cards do come with a perforated edge on the packaging that allows you to open it without scissors. But the majority don’t, so without scissors to hand you’re stuck! It sounds such a small thing but it’s beyond frustrating. Some times I think retailers don’t actually want customers to purchase items!

Patrick, have you ever thought about the meaning of words ? The object in question is a razor and the person using it is a shaver. The razor cannot shave without the shaver using it. It is typical of todays’ misuse of the English language. Another one that I hear so often is the use of the plural after the word ‘none’ which means ‘not one’. ‘None are’ is used all the time and people don’t even know they are doing it wrongly, even on the BBC. I would love it if it were published far and wide so that even those who teach English could pass it on to their pupils. I’ve gone on too long, sorry. P.S. I have just noticed on this page that whoever has done it should be told that you cannot be ‘bored OF’ but ‘bored WITH’ something ; where does education feature in your employees ?

I find it difficult to open the white plastic film Weetabix is tightly wrapped in without shredding the contents.

Yes, it’s the dreaded blister packs for me every time. OK I can see the security issues with some products but when you do finally attack them with scissors firstly you’ve cut the instructions but secondly and for me far more irritating, you’ve made a razor sharp edge which is seriously dangerous to your own hands and also anyone who is subsequently dealing with your waste.
As a footnote I’d also like to second the comments concerning Allen Handy’s post. I think that language is a wonderful thing, both in traditional and vernacular forms but pedantry has no place here. As some of my ex pupils would say, “Get a life man. You should get out a bit more.”