It Feels Like I'm Being Bullied On The Road

by DP
(Garland)

When I was really young, I was very accommodating, avoiding conflict whenever possible by quietly walking away or even just taking a measure like pushing, etc. At some point in about 8th grade, I'd taken enough.

People said you had to stand up to bullies to make them stop. I had finally taken it to heart, and I did -- and the bullying stopped too because I was no longer an easy target.

When I'm in the car and there is a particularly aggressive driver, it kicks off that same emotional response and I think if people don't tell this asshole he can't do this, he's just going to keep doing it, and that's when I go off.

If you were standing in a long line at the grocery store and someone came up and just shoved you out of the line to take your place, would it be "line rage" to pop the guy in the jaw? Or would it be just standing up for yourself?

There are some drivers who just seem to habitually think they're so bloody important or special -- or they just rely on the fact that everyone wants to avoid conflict and so they continue.

I think if I could answer this question, I would find it easier to quiet myself at these times (I hope).