Literally
This can be a literal question or a figurative one. I have to answer both questions differently. When I’m in the car, I like to be the passenger. It has a lot to do with the fact that I have a horrible sense of direction. I live in a major metropolitan area with a major traffic problem and no matter how many times I get on the major roads (aka the Beltway), I have major problems. Pretty major, right.
I’m being dramatic but I really can get stressed out if I’m going someplace that’s not in my everyday route. And don’t get me started on parking garages. I can end up with heart palpitations if I’m the one who needs to remember where we parked. Before you avoid me on the road, let me clarify: I’m a very good driver, I am just happy to be the passenger, or co-pilot.
And figuratively
As for the rest of my world, I’m usually not happy being the passenger. I like to call the shots. I like to make decisions and I like to be in charge. I like to be the driver. I figure nobody else knows where I need to go better than I do, right? Right?
No, not right. There are many, many instances where I shouldn’t be the only driver in my life either. I will give you a perfect example. I really have no idea where I’m going on this whole book publishing/selling/promoting journey. I know where I want to go but I need some help getting there. I realize this intellectually and that’s why I hired good people, who know the way, to help guide me. The problem is, I can’t buckle myself in the passenger side and enjoy the ride. I need to let them do what I am paying them to do, and it’s so difficult. Every day I want to grab the wheel and turn it in a different direction. They read this blog, and I’m sure they are nodding and smiling a little right now.
Is your license to drive valid?
Ok, I’m back to speaking literally for the moment. As far as real driving goes, I like for my husband to drive because he has a freakishly good sense of direction, he enjoys driving and he doesn’t get crazy trying to find parking. I also have one girlfriend who always likes to be the driver and I happily hop in the passenger side when I am riding with her too. It’s a little contradictory to my personality but it works for me. As far as the figurative driving goes, I’m working on being a good co-pilot.
I’m curious, who do you let “drive”?
On the road of life we need to decide when it’s best to drive, when to be a co-pilot and when to sit in the backseat and keep our mouths shut. Personally, my vantage point changes all the time. As for you, I hope that no matter where you are sitting, you take the time to enjoy the ride. I know I am.
Melissa says
depends on where I going.. long trips hate to drive because I love to read then any other time it does not matter really.
Hilary Wynne says
My husband likes to drive on road trips so I try and read then too. I get a little car-sick though so it has to be a great book!