Picture this: it’s a typical hectic morning, around 7:30 a.m., and a driver is tailgating us. My partner, who is behind the wheel taking me to work, is juggling a cup of coffee in one hand, blowing his nose with the other, and steering with his knees while venting about the driver behind us in the rearview mirror. He decides to teach this inconsiderate driver a lesson by intentionally cruising below the speed limit, hoping they’ll either get frustrated enough to pass us or back off entirely. To me, this is a terrible approach—just relax, would you?
After a few minutes of this nonsense, the driver behind us finally gets the hint and backs off, allowing us to resume a reasonable speed. Meanwhile, I’m sitting in the passenger seat, flushed and fuming because I’m now running late for work. I adore my partner, but good grief, his driving habits can make me want to shake him wildly.
What is it About Driving?
What is it about being behind the wheel that can cause perfectly rational individuals to lose their minds?
When it comes to driving, we never seem to be on the same page. He loves cranking up the heat to an unbearable level, leaving me feeling like I’m in a sauna. Meanwhile, I prefer a cozy atmosphere, where I can wear a light jacket without feeling like I’m melting into the seat.
The Music Dilemma
Then there’s the music situation. He enjoys listening to NPR and getting worked up over the latest political debacles, which leads to lengthy rants that can drive anyone insane. On the other hand, his music choices are pure torture for me. Sometimes I get a bit of satisfaction from playing the soft rock station featuring artists like Celine Dion and Depeche Mode, just to see the frustration on his face.
Distractions on the Road
Regardless of our destination, my partner is easily distracted by anything happening outside the car. “Look at that house being renovated! I hope they don’t tear down that lovely barn,” or “Yard sale!” He’ll slow down to gawk at roadside attractions. I attempt to kindly remind him, “That yellow line isn’t just a suggestion!” but my attempts at gentle encouragement often go unheard. “Look! Vintage record players! We have to turn around—I need to haggle over the price!”
Of course, I consider myself an exemplary driver, but I’m currently very pregnant and can’t reach the pedals effectively, which means I’m relying on my partner for all our transportation needs.
The Driving Conundrum
Driving seems to bring out the worst in both of us. His chaotic style makes me want to pull my hair out, while my cautious and rule-abiding tendencies likely annoy him just as much. The day I can reclaim the driver’s seat will be the day I say goodbye to his maddening driving habits.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more insights on the journey of parenthood, you should check out our post on couples’ fertility journey. And for the latest on infant sleep safety, this article offers expert guidance. Additionally, if you want to delve deeper into pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is fantastic.
Conclusion
In summary, driving can be a source of stress and contention for many couples, as seen in my experience with my partner. Our differing preferences and habits lead to frustration, but I look forward to the day I can take the wheel myself again.