Riding in Cars
Bad Drivers
The holidays are always stressful, and we find ourselves going places with family members we don’t often ride with. I have to confess that I am a terrible passenger. They aren’t doing it right, going too fast, and not paying attention. I am, of course, without peer as a driver.
I have been in several accidents but there were always extenuating circumstances. The people I ride with have had less accidents, but they are lucky. I just do not understand why they won’t follow my lead and drive properly. My gentle, caring suggestions go unheeded and are often received with hostility.
Oh, the injustice, the way they treat me when I have the best of intentions. I only wish to share my vast experience and expertise. Unfortunately, I have to resort to cowering in my seat as they recklessly endanger me with their driving. They especially resent it when I stomp on my imaginary brake pedal when they aren’t stopping when they should.
This is bad for my mental health, forced to live with the fear and anxiety they create in my delicate psyche. The worst part is not being allowed to express my panic at being put in one life-threatening situation after another.
Christmas Eve we went to see Theory of Everything, one of the best movies I have seen in some time. On the way home, Steve drove us around the University Park area to look at all the wonderful Holiday light displays. It was difficult to enjoy the lights knowing my life was in danger with the reckless 10mph driving I was forced to endure.
I do prefer to drive, but my family members, usually loving and caring, are united in disliking my driving. I always resolve to be especially careful when I have passengers, not honking or giving the finger to other drivers, but no one seems to appreciate my selfless generosity.
Is there no justice? Am I doomed so suffer at the hands of my loved ones? I only want to do what is right and good. (That sentence seems familiar. Oh yes, George III.) I find myself driving alone, meaning I am always searching for ways to help other drivers improve their skills. They seem unwilling to learn.
Oh, well, I guess I will just have to take other’s driving as a test of my equanimity. It is strange that the tests come so often.