Sunday, November 30, 2008

Walking In Their Boots: The Bad Driver

Another important step in my self-improvement project was suggested to me by a friend. Actually, it was mentioned a long time ago, but it took some time to sink in.

One of the ways to achieve peace with enemies is to learn to understand them, see things from their point of view, right? So, this is what I will do. I will live as they do, act as they do, think as they do. Since I seem to have many peeves, this will have to be done in a few parts...one step at a time, so to speak.

One of my biggest teeth-grinders is the Bad Driver. I often rail against this human obstacle, but this hasn't made BD go away, or improve. So maybe it's time to see life through his eyes. That will be my first project. I will drive as he does, act as he does and see how it goes. (by the way, how come "does" doesn't rhyme with "goes"?)

Anyway, I'm going to use the first day of the week to see how it feels to be that person. I'll let you know how it plays out (if I survive). Maybe I will grow to understand him; maybe I will take on a different point of view. Maybe I will drive off a cliff. Who knows?

While I'm out doing that, maybe you can suggest other experiments I can engage in. I have a few more up my own sleeve, but I'm open to your ideas.

14 comments:

  1. I hope you don't get any traffic tickets like "he" does!

    Be Careful!

    ~Terry Ü

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  2. Boots are made for walking!

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  3. This reminds me of something that happened to my son when he was in 6th grade. Jeremy had a friend who was "bad news". Already in trouble with the law for stealing and few other minor trangressions and I wanted him to stay away from him. Well thier teacher talked to me and told me that she thought that if Jeremy was allowed to hang around with this boy that Jeremy's "goodness" would have rub off on the other boy and we might be able to make him change his ways just by Jeremy's influence. OK I was swayed, against my better judgement. Well when the police called me to tell me that they were holding Jeremy for me to come get since this other kid had convinced Jeremy to go into someone's garage and steal a moped and the police caught them and Jermey had spilt all the beans about where they got it and everything, they were letting Jeremy go with a warning and some classes and commuinity service but nothing that stayed on his record, the other boy went to juvenille. That was a little bit to much of walking in the other ones shoes for me!!! I hope your experiment works out better! Linda

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  4. I see you still have a thing for boots. Stay away from the cliff Jimmy! Just drive slow in the fast lane instead :-)

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  5. Jimmy
    If you survive the driving experience this week, you could then get in a line at a bank and start talking very loudly on your cell phone. Or how about going to a movie theater and having ALL your friends call you during the show? I know public cell phone use is one of your major pet peeves so I know you'll do justice to the subject, LOL!
    Sam

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  6. I think you should become an illegal immigrant, but you can't do that at home! It's gonna entail leaving the country and settling in some foreign place....better make that a warm place where tropical breezes blow....and live off the state! See how much help THEY will give you before putting you on the next flight home! Enjoy your bad driving, follow Marthas' advice and drive slow! Jeannette xx

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  7. I hope you don't drive off any cliffs trying to find out! You make me laugh with the does doesn't rhyme with goes, but goes rhymes with blows and so does this entry. JK LOL That was sad what happened at that Walmart . . . craay people willing to kill someone all for a bargain. At a Toys R Us in the desert two guys pulled out guns and shot each other to death after their women got in an argument. What is the world coming to . . . I say stay home on black Friday. Anyway, have a happy Sudnay, Luv ya!

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  8. So, you're going to drive bad on purpose? Like the world needs another bad driver! ;-)

    We share the same pet peeve. You're a better person than I; I really struggle to see how people can be so selfish as they cut you off, or feel entitled to cut across 3 lanes of traffic because they qualify for the carpool lane. Good luck with your experiment and let us know how that goes.

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  9. It won't help and you might get hurt. Stay the good driver, PLEASE.

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  10. OMG! Please be careful! Ummmm.. don't you hate cell phones too? :::giggle::: I see that being next
    hugs

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  11. LOL. Can't wait to see what happens. And the mom in me has learned that telling boys to be careful doesn't mean a thing. I'm going to say it anyway. Please be careful :)

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  12. Interesting project. I know I encountered many BD's over the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend :o)

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  13. There's something to be said for
    'if you can't beat em, then join em' :)

    Be careful!

    Michele

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  14. How very generous and gentlemanly of you to call the Bad Driver a "HE." I for one, have encountered a lot of female Bad Drivers! ;)

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