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As others have said, I wouldn't stress about it, life is too short. That said, to play devil's advocate, I can imagine the guy in the Jeep thinking something like this: Who does this lady think she is blocking the parking space? She's taking her sweet *** time, doors wide open, blocking me from parking.
From the Jeep's POV your wife is the *** for not moving to let others park. Don't sweat the small stuff!
People suck. Bottom line is someone you don't know and cares nothing about you has messed up your day and you have allowed it to control your emotions. The hard thing is to just let it go.
I just wanted to say I like your post a lot. I am getting better with age but every once in a while I find myself looking like a red lobster behind a wheel. Letting go is difficult but it is the way to go.
What's the purpose of saying something to the Jeep driver? To make yourself feel better, or to educate the other driver? If the latter, don't you think if that driver were teachable, he wouldn't have done it in the first place? If the former, the risk that the person is an aggressive, uncivil, gun-toting jerk (they come in all demographics, including members of this forum) who will make you regret it is significant, as those types drive just the way you describe. Simply put, no good will come from taking action, and it could be dangerous.
What's the purpose of saying something to the Jeep driver? To make yourself feel better, or to educate the other driver? If the latter, don't you think if that driver were teachable, he wouldn't have done it in the first place? If the former, the risk that the person is an aggressive, uncivil, gun-toting jerk (they come in all demographics, including members of this forum) who will make you regret it is significant, as those types drive just the way you describe. Simply put, no good will come from taking action, and it could be dangerous.
Point well made. I was teachable, though. I've never been aggressive or selfish or nasty behind the wheel, but I used to drive a little too fast in residential neighborhoods. Probably 10+ years ago, before our kids, I was coming home on my street and gave that last push of the accelerator to hear that sweet inline-6 of my BMW at the time when a mom screamed and ran after her two-year-old daughter as she ran toward the street after a ball. I stopped, the mom grabbed her girl before she got to the street, and all was fine. I was maybe doing 35mph. But I should have been doing 20mph, and paying more attention. The look on the mother's face was enough to make me realize I needed to pay more attention and take it easy on local streets. I felt embarrassed and ashamed, and relieved that nothing tragic happened. And now that I have kids, I understand even more.
But you're right--most people who drive in a selfish and antisocial manner are probably selfish, antisocial people, and won't change. So, the best advice is to take a deep breath and sing my favorite song:
09-15-2014, 03:03 PM
