Britney Spears was pretty messed up in the head at one point. Having been a star her entire adult life, the various demands and pressures just got to her.

We're beginning to understand why.

Having gone back to blonde, the bombshell stopped at a local 76 gas station to grab an orange soda and a fellow petroleum consumer couldn't help herself.

Wow. Way to be subtle, lady. Sure you couldn't swoop in for a hug while you're at it? Nice to see that Britney has again determined that bras are optional ...

Britney Spears: Gas station chic.

No word if Jason Trawick, Britney's boyfriend and agent, who has been the subject of many breakup rumors over the last few weeks, was there to witness this.

Either way, a shameless amateur photographer clearly was ... as was a professional photographer, taking a picture of the amateur. At least the latter got paid.