I am probably the most patient and calm person in town.
I mean, who holds the door for people 20 feet away?
Who sits and listens for hours, sometimes, while others talk about their issues?
Who didn’t give up hope on Trump for President until his umpteenth off-message delivery last week?
Yes. I am the most patient person – until I encounter these drivers:
- The driver who “sneaks” into my exit lane just before it’s not possible to do so
- The driver who drives 35 miles an hour on a 45 mph street
- The driver who does not move when he/she is the second of “Two Cars on Green”
- The driver who waits until the last second, when there were clearly many “safe” seconds of opportunity, before making a turn
- The driver who tailgates
- The driver who, after 3 p.m., waits at the sign “No Right Turn Before 3 p.m.”
When I encounter those driver, I lose my patience.
How? I become a different person. I curse. I holler. I am unforgiving.
Why? Maybe it’s because I expect other drivers to be as courteous as I think I am. Maybe it’s because I think all drivers should follow the rules all the time.
Hmmm. What about all those illegal U-turns I make?
Perhaps it’s time to give some slack to other drivers.
It’s great how these essays I write give me new insights – and, often, new patience.
Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen51@gmail.com