Oct 28 2008
Give Me A Break
It has been well documented in recent years that the overall civil behavior of society has declined dramatically. Children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens, it doesn’t matter. Everyone is in too much of a hurry to behave in a courteous manner to those around us. If we’re honest, at least with ourselves, we can probably all recall at least a few bad examples of our own.
One place where the decline in social graces is especially prevalent is on the highway. Somehow, when we get into our cars we stop being human beings and turn into some sort of robot on a mission. Woe to anyone who dares cross our path, or cut into our lane. The amusement park ride of bumper cars from our childhood must have been designed to prepare us for this time of life.
I make a conscious effort, each and every time I am in my car, to give someone a break. I believe in reciprocity, whenever I extend courtesy to someone on the highway of life today, I am building up a savings account of sorts, that will pay dividends for me down the road when I need a break.
And so, if you happen to be driving down the road along side me, rest assured, I will allow you space to change lanes in front of me. I will give you an opportunity to merge safely. I will not blast my horn at you if you are lost, confused, or if, heaven help us all, you are actually driving at the speed limit and not twenty miles an hour over it.
I, for one, will give you a break, and a brake, if our paths cross in life. My personal mission, in trying to be a better person, is to be a better driver. We can all certainly use more of those in our life.
