evil_twin's tags:
I've realized something today. It's probably something I should have realized a long time ago. But I am a really mean person when I'm driving. I'm always going on about how I'm too nice and I hate hurting people's feelings, etc. But when I'm driving? I'm an asshole. I really am.

I cannot go from point A to point B without cussing out at least 5 drivers along the way. Sometimes more. It depends on how far I'm going. And parking lots? Forget it. I'm yelling at everyone. Phrases like, "move it bitch" and "get the fuck out of my way, you asshole!" are just standard parts of my driving vocabulary.

I feel it must be stated that I am not shouting these things out the window so these people actually hear me. I'm in my car with the windows up. And then I just let the words spew forth out of my mouth. I don't even really pay attention to what I'm saying. But today while I was driving someplace with a co-worker in my car, they pointed it out to me.

Some big huge guy in a little tiny Prius was going so incredibly slow that he was pissing me off. And I couldn't get over because some chick on her cell phone was going equally as slow. So I shouted to her (again, she couldn't hear me) "Get off your fucking phone bitch!" and then I said, "and this fat fucker needs to step on the gas." And I made some comment about how he was so big, his little car probably couldn't move any faster than that.

The guy I was with started cracking up and asked me what the hell had gotten into me. It wasn't like me to say stuff like that. In fact, he knows me to be really quiet and reserved most of the time. But he'd never driven with me before. That's the difference. And even though he was joking, he told me I was one mean son of a bitch.

That's when I realized he was right. Wow. I am mean. I think I'm nice, but I'm really not. Nice people wouldn't say that shit would they? I think in my head, I just assumed everyone was rude when they drove. Maybe because everyone I know is like that? But this guy was a little surprised. Probably because I'm usually nothing like that.

When I'm at work, I'm usually very quiet. I say what needs to be said, but I generally don't socialize that much with people. And I'm always so freaking polite too. I always say please and thank you and I'm known as the soft spoken person that never gets mad. But that's not true. I get plenty mad. I just keep it all inside. If I'm pissed off at someone, I rarely ever tell them that. I just shut up and walk away.

And my most famous move is this one. I start to say how I feel, and the minute the other person gets defensive, I just say, "nevermind, forget it," and then I walk away and sulk and stew over what made me mad. I hate confrontations. Despise them, actually.

So I think that when I'm driving, and I'm in the safety of my little soundproof bubble, I just let all my anger out. Those poor drivers have no idea what I'm saying to them. But I sure feel good. It's like a huge relief to blurt out all those horrible things because I never do that.

Am I the only one does this stuff? Am I crazy? Sometimes people don't even do anything wrong and I still hate them when I'm driving. If they look at me weird, I tell them to fuck off. And I'd NEVER say that to them if they could hear me. Especially when I have no reason to say it. They didn't do anything but look at me!

I think I have driving Tourettes Syndrome or something. Please tell me I'm not alone....

-evil_twin LA


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Comments

  • Zayda said on Oct 30, 2007....
    First, Kyle, you are not crazy. I regularly say some not no-so-nice things to drivers who won't get out of my way or who drive badly. Actually, I have turned the air around me blue with my language. I think we all do that more often than we probably realize.


    It probably is a shock to someone who has never been in the car with you and who sees you as quiet and nice all the time. But just because you yell at those bad drivers doesn't mean that you are a mean person. It just means they happen to strike that one particular nerve or pet peeve that sets you off more than most things. :)
  • Mr_Box said on Oct 30, 2007....
    You're not alone.
     
    I do the same thing. But then again, you knew that. Maybe I'm a bad influence?
     
    While I would not scream all this to people's faces, I don't hold my anger in the way you do either.
     
    If I'm pissed, people know it. I wish I could hold my tongue sometimes.
     
    But the way I see it, as long as they can't hear you, who cares? I shout at the TV too and have told many sports heroes that they suck ass and can't play for shit.
     
    It's the same thing.
     
    Don't sweat it. You're not crazy. Well at least not about this. And you're not mean either.
     
    The fact that you're actually concerned that this is a personality flaw of yours should show you how not mean you really are. I don't think anyone but you would actually bother to analyze this situation.
     
    Relax and curse out the bastards to your hearts content!
     
     
  • Zayda said on Oct 30, 2007....
    Bah...the rest of my comment got eaten by SC.


    Now, it may be that since you find yourself more prone to tell people to "fuck off", even if they only look at you funny while you are driving , you have let the tensions of the day at work build up and that tension comes out much more easily while driving.


    I'm not entirely sure that's a bad thing as long as you aren't consumed by road rage and turning your vehicle into a weapon. And I suppose it's better for it to come out while you are in your bubble of your car since you are mostly by yourself except when you and Nat are going places.


    Hmmm...maybe you could observe your behavior for the next bit to see if you are more prone to get upset with drivers in the evenings (as you are leaving work). If you are, that might be a sign that part of it's a build up of tension from the work day. And then see if you get less upset when Natalie (someone who has a calming effect on you because of your relationship) is in the car.


    Just a thought.
  • uniquely-ironic said on Oct 30, 2007....
    I have the same disease.  I become a raving lunatic when I get behind the wheel of a car.  This is MORE than ironic when you consider I drive a sardine can with pedals like the Flintstone's car. (okay, not literally, but comparably)  I regularly cuss out people who have the nerve to be on the road at the same time as me.  My favorite is to pass a BMW or Mercedes and say something stupid like "Ha! Take that you fancy car driver!" (only with more adjectives added)
  • destinydiva said on Oct 30, 2007....
    I am really laid back driving, I very rarely scream at people. I'm usually too busy singing my head off!!  ha I'm probley one of the ones you scream at!!  (if you erase the fact I am in another country!! he he )
    I dont dawdle, infact the opposite, I am terrible for speeding, not intentionally, I do it without realizing. If I do occassionally get mad with someone, I make a gun with my hand and aim at them!!  or raise my hands and do a kinda 'uuuhhhhhhhhhhhhh' noise which means...wtf you doing!!!!!  (hmm thats worrying isnt it?)

    I think you got it bang on, that you hold it all in and let it all out in your soundproof bubble, there is no harm in that, chill!!  :-)

    your bro made a good point! you are not mean or crazy, The fact that you're actually concerned shows  how really not mean you are!  :-) xx

    ps that may explain why you attract so many weird people tho!!  he he :-) xx
  • evil_twin said on Oct 30, 2007....
    zayda--I think I'm actually a pretty good driver. I've never even had a ticket *knock on wood* My road rage is purely verbal. I do notice that it gets much worse if I'm in a hurry to get to somewhere though. That's when everyone makes me mad. I hate being late for stuff, so I get really bent out of shape if the traffic is bad. It is better when Natalie is in the car. I'm much more relaxed. I really do think it has a lot to do with the fact that I hold so much of my anger in, that when I'm in the car, I just let it fly.

    Mr. Box--You are just as bad as me when it comes to this. In fact, sometimes you're worse! But I guess you're right that I shouldn't worry about it. They can't hear me. I guess I just didn't want anyone (like the guy at work) to actually think I was an asshole. You know how I hate when people think bad of me. Which is why the only people I yell at are the ones who can't hear me!

    uniquely--I'm so glad that you can relate to this. It's not just me! I do get mad at people sometimes just because they're there. I want the whole road to myself. I guess that makes me a selfish driver too! :-P
  • destinydiva said on Oct 30, 2007....
    unique~ maybe nows not a good time to admit that I drive a bmw?  not through choice tho :-) xx
  • destinydiva said on Oct 30, 2007....
    mr twin you missed me out uhhhh  wahhhhhh  uh :-)

    ps mr twin sounds much nicer than evil doesnt it?  :-) xx
  • uniquely-ironic said on Oct 30, 2007....
    destiny - nah!  It's not the drivers, it's just a little bit of green eyed envy that makes me a menace around nice cars.  I'm just wishing for a car with some guts. (probably good I don't have one)
  • tizzygirl said on Oct 30, 2007....
    Oh dear lord I am down right evil when it comes to driving.  At one time I realized how mean I was and felt bad but then I decided it was the only time I am REALLY mean so it was okay.  I too keep the windows rolled up although there are a few times where I've rolled down the window if someone was a particular dumb ass....but really there are many times when I am mean for no reason.
    Like I often say "get your fat ass out of my way" when pedestrians take forever to walk across the way....it's horrible that I call them fat and are so mean about how long they take to walk but when I'm driving it's a different set of rules.  I call people assholes, fucking idiots, cunts (I know I'm horrible to women kind), dipshits, dicks, fuckers (various forms of that included), jack asses.....oh and I'm particularly mean when it comes to old people drivers....I know it's not their fault they are old but it comes out when I'm in the drivers seat....so in short...you are not alone!
  • Twylarants said on Oct 30, 2007....
    I drive a little car, but it's not invisible, although to all the big cars it may just as well be. Somebody is always deciding they want to drive where I am!  I stay out of everyone's way, I'm a very defensive driver, never tail-gate, blah blah blah...just a good driver.  And yet, somebody tries to kill me every time I'm on the road!
    Sitting at a red light one day, Idiot driver tries to beat his red light, takes the corner too wide, drives up on the sidewalk, over-corrects, and heads straight for my door.
    Amazing how calm I was as I sat thinking "This is where I'm gonna die, in my car, in a town I hate, in a state I hate...my poor family."  Idiot somehow managed to straighten his car out enough to come within inches of me, and drove away.  My light turned green but I couldn't move, and no one blew the horn at me, even when our light turned red again.  I guess they were thinking "I'm gonna watch this poor woman die, and I can't do anything about it."  So now I curse at everyone just in case they decide to kill me.
  • Fallyn said on Oct 30, 2007....
    i'm guessing i'm one of the laid back drivers you cuss out......i don't drive slow though...probably too fast....and i don't do stupid crap....i hope....

    it just doesn't bother me too much when other people do.

  • evil_twin said on Oct 30, 2007....
    destiny--I'm sorry! I think we must have posted at the same time and I didn't see your comment. My bad! When I'm feeling relaxed, I like to sing in the car too. But sometimes I'm just too focused on getting where I need to be and everything bugs me! But I think you're right. It is just a way for me to get out my agressions in the safety of my bubble!

    tizzy--You sound just like me. The two of us driving together, with Jack in the back seat, would be scary! :-P No one would be safe from our mouths. I'm glad I'm not alone!

    twyla--I've had a few close calls too. That's always scary! But I like how you said you curse them out in case they try to kill you :-P That's funny!

    fallyn--As long as you don't drive too slow, I'm sure you wouldn't bug me while I'm driving. Although, sometimes no one is safe. Even the smallest things irritate me. But I just assume everyone is cursing me out too so we're even! You sound very laid back :-)
  • PassionTraveler said on Oct 30, 2007....
    So, ET, that was YOU on the 405 freeway this weekend? Damn! You WERE an asshole. :P

    Just kidding. Hey, that's L.A. driving! If you can make it a mile in an hour WITHOUT ripping the head off of the guy next to you, you are doing something right! Sad commentary on So Cal driving environment, but alas, 'tis the reality.

    PT
  • rmuxagirl said on Oct 30, 2007....
    You know I'm a lot like you in that I don't really deal well with confrontations.  I just let things stew inside,and then it explodes in some seculed place or other times on someone else.
  • pickersplock said on Oct 30, 2007....
    You and Mr. Plock should start a club.
  • CreativeWoman said on Oct 30, 2007....
    I have the same syndrome.  I say things within the confines of my car that I would never ever say to someone's face.  I'm guilty of quite a few "f" bombs under my breath.  I'm like that old cartoon with Goofy where he changes personalities when he gets behind the wheel.  :-D

    CW
  • nursecutie said on Oct 30, 2007....

    Oh Kyle.......I can't believe you were worried that you were a mean person. I think from all the comments you will see that you are not alone! You have driven with me too. I'm not nice either.......LOL

    I try not to swear too much, but when people drive stupidly I can't help it! I flip people off too if they cut me off or something else annoying like that. I'm not an angel behind the wheel!

    I am alot like you when it comes to being mad. I rarely ever explode and tell people how angry I am. Usually I just get really quiet and that's when you know I'm mad. Plus I turn red! I get all blotchy and stupid looking because my head is going to explode!

    I think you are normal, sweetie. You are a nice person. And what the other drivers don't know can't hurt them! :)

    xxoo natalie xxoo

  • evil_twin said on Oct 30, 2007....
    PT--So were you the chick on the cell phone? :-P Because if you were, yes that was me yelling at you! I think I would be like that driving anywhere. Even when the traffic isn't that bad in town, I still get mad.

    muxagirl--I understand that. Fortunately for me the other people that usually get my wrath are my fellow drivers. And since they can't hear me, that's better than taking it on someone I know.

    pickers--Is that the asshole drivers club?

    CW--See, now I would not have expected that from you! I bet you surprise people if they happen to be in the car with you. Just like I did today.

    cutie--You have said something interesting things before. And I admit that the first time you did that, I couldn't stop laughing. It was so unexpected. But now I'm used to it. I guess that most people do this. Maybe my co-worker is a saint is something? I'm glad you don't think I'm mean. I was just beginning to think that I was when I realized how rude I can be to strangers who can't hear me.
  • rupert7 said on Oct 30, 2007....
    evil twin - it is a strange phenomenon, when we slide behind the wheel we change from Dr. Jekyll  to Mr Hyde, we all do it,even the meekest and mildest transform! Take heart you are not alone! lol
  • CreativeWoman said on Oct 30, 2007....
    evil twin,
    Oh, I do surprise them with my driving language sometimes.  One time my mom was with me and I let a mutha "f" bomb fly at some insane driver.  At first my mom was shocked, but then she laughed so hard that I thought she might wet her pants. She didn't expect that from a Miss Manners like me. I did apologize for my language. :-D  I have a not nice streak too.

    CW
  • wombat said on Oct 30, 2007....
    I bet we all do it, evil twin!  I think it is a way to keep ourselves in the moment and careful of our own driving!  I call myself a bad driver because I have a few fears about it (ask quietone)  but at the same time--I curse out the others just like this.  Just shows that I am watching out!  And guess what?  (Knock on wood!)  I have not been in one accident!  (Except when I got rear-ended by an 88 year old man while I was stopped in traffic!)  Boy, did I sailer it up then!
  • the_infernal_optimist said on Oct 31, 2007....
    When I drive, I'm usually too paranoid about all the stupid people around me to actually yell anything at them. I probably get yelled at a fair amount.

    My husband, though...holy crap! He's just like his dad with the foul-mouthed driving commentary. Me, I just hang on to the oh-shit strap and hope we make it. My invisible brakes get a lot of use (which pisses him off even more, of course).

    He's gotten better - mouth-wise, though he does still drive aggressively - since little one was born, but I can still almost hear him thinking it whenever we get behind a little blue-haired lady driving 45 on the highway. :-D

    I tend to mutter barbs at people in other situations if I get annoyed, and I've shocked people before with my creative cursing (hey, you're not supposed to hear me).

    ~Infernal
  • Fallyn said on Oct 31, 2007....
    yeah, i'm definitely laid back.....possibly too much so.....at least now i'm learning how not to let myself be walked on.
  • Brunettebmshell said on Oct 31, 2007....
    Hahahaha! As I was reading this, I was nodding my head in agreement and can totally relate to everything you're saying.
     
    All of my friends and anyone I meet really, tell me that I am one of the nicest girls they know. I'm so sweet, eloquent, friendly, etc. Oh but when they get in the car with me behind the wheel... they are completely shocked with what they hear spew out of my mouth. It is some of the worst profanities you can think of, and no one would ever guess that I could me so crude. It actually surprises me sometimes the things I come up with. lol I really think the reason why we may blow up in our car is probably due to other issues we let build up inside of us. And when we get behind the wheel, we get to let it all out on the bad drivers on the road. I don't know, just my two cents :) Be careful out there!
     
    BB
  • silverwhisper said on Oct 31, 2007....
    kyle, i do the same thing you do. for me though, it isn't about being late. i figure i'll get there when i can.

    i just like to drive fast. :D

    so i don't mind passing people and i resent people who drive slowly and/or prevent me from getting around them. and the thing is that as zayda said, you're venting so that when you're getting where you are you don't hold on to it any longer. i think that's a good thing.

    ed
  • scipio said on Oct 31, 2007....
    No you are not alone !
     
    Count me in.
     
    If only all the drivers were to obey rules and show respect for each other's presence on the road. ( some utopian dream)
     
    But no, once you are out there - Law of the Jungle takes over.
     
    Even the most angelic driver becomes a devil out there !!
     
    If you want to test out someone's character - let him/her take you out for a drive. You will know in a few minutes - which would take otherwise years to find out.  ...
     
    Just my two bit
     
     
     
     
  • hotaka said on Oct 31, 2007....
    I believe as dozens of others have told you that you are not alone. My dad is really bad for that kind of thing and my best friend is awful. He was cursing an old man walking a baby stroller across a parking lot entrance. The man was on the sidewalk but my friend wanted to turn into the parking lot just as the guy was crossing. My friend cursed that guy black and blue - inside the car with the windows rolled up.

    I learned most of my bad Japanese listening to K when she drives.

    Sure I curse at people too. But usually the ones who:
    Run red lights when it's my turn to go on the green.
    Change lanes without signaling or stop in the road to turn without signaling.
    Tailgate way too close.
    Drive below the speed limit when I am in a hurry.

    I read in MAD magazine many many years ago a feature about tennis. They said that on the tennis court people were so generous and kind with compliments. "Nice shot, Dave." "Great return, Susan." And so on. But when they got in their cars they would curse each other and try to run each other off the road. The feature finished by saying something to the affect of, "Tennis may be a great hobby sport but is it ruining the American way of life?"
  • Mr_Box said on Oct 31, 2007....

    Okay Kyle. This will make you feel like less of a dick.

    Last night I had to run up to the grocery store. The parking lot was jam packed and some handicapped dude with a severe limp and a cane was crossing in front of me.

    I kept telling him to move his gimpy ass because he was taking forever to hobble across the road.

    Now that's fucked up. I'm evil.

  • Twylarants said on Oct 31, 2007....
    Mr Box... now I'm feeling like a dick, too.  (can you call a woman a dick or does it have to be bitch?)  I cursed at a dog I almost hit. 
  • Mr_Box said on Oct 31, 2007....

    Twyla I suppose a woman could be a dick. But bitch is usually the term I'd use while driving.

    I cursed out a mom with a stroller once. I told her to push her fucking brat faster because she was holding up traffic.

    I think we're all monsters behind the wheel.

  • silverwhisper said on Oct 31, 2007....
    this gives me an idea for a poll... :>

    ed
  • evil_twin said on Oct 31, 2007....
    rupert--I'm glad I'm not alone! It is a strange phenomenon, isn't it?

    CW--You and I are so similar. We're both very nice and sweet, but we can shock people when we're behind the wheel!

    wombat--I'm a careful driver too. I've been in a few accidents, but they weren't my fault! Maybe that's why I hate all the other drivers so much? I'm afraid they're going to kill me!

    infernal--I think I'm a lot like your husband when it comes to the cursing. As for the invisible brakes? I use those all the time when I'm driving with Jack. He scares the crap out of me. I've practically worn out his oh shit handle!

    fallyn--I hear ya about being walked on. Trust me, I'm not this assertive in other areas of my life. Just when I drive!

    brunette--I'm glad you can relate! It's weird how the nicest of people can change so quickly when behind the wheel. But it really is a good way of getting out your anger, as long as you just keep it to shouting profanities and not trying to run people off the road!

    silver--It does feel good to vent like that. If I didn't let it escape somehow, I'd probably explode. And then it wouldn't be pretty. I don't know why I'm paranoid about being late though. I'm obsessive about it. Just another quirk of mine, I guess.

    scipio--I sure hope that people won't judge my character by my driving personality. If they did, everyone would hate me!

    hotaka--I get frustrated at all those things you mentioned too. They never fail to set me off. But occasionally I just get mad for no reason. It is nice to know I'm not alone though!

    Mr. Box--Gimpy ass? I'm sorry, but that cracked me up. I guess that makes me evil too. I've cursed out handicapped people and mom's with strollers. Or my personal favorite, bicycle riders. I hate them. They pretend they're cars, but they're not! They need to get off the road. I do feel better now though. I'm not the only asshole around :-P

    Twyla--I cursed out a squirrel before. And a cat. And anything else that dare jump in front of my car. I always tell the squirrels that they're so stupid they deserve to get hit.


  • crybabylu said on Oct 31, 2007....

    I'm with destinydiva, only I don't drive a bmw, I drive a Toyota.

    I don't see the harm in saying things to yourself in the car, as long as you don't act them out.

    for you, it seems to be therapudic.

  • evil_twin said on Oct 31, 2007....
    crybaby--It is therapeutic for me. I guess as long as they can't hear me, I'm okay!
  • rockluver2490 said on Oct 31, 2007....
    im the exact same way.... I can't go at least one block without saying you stupid goddamn sonofabitch, or get the fuck out of my way you stupid fuck.... lol ^o^
  • evil_twin said on Oct 31, 2007....
    rockluver--This post has definitely shown me that most of us have horrible mouths when we drive! I'm so glad it wasn't just me :-P
  • Battycat said on Oct 31, 2007....
    When I started reading this post the first thing I thought of was  that Goofy cartoon, but CW beat me to it. I think we all become different people behind the wheel, I'm just the same. normally I wouldn't say boo to a goose, but driving is a completely different story :-)
  • cotteralladams3 said on Oct 31, 2007....
    Honestly, I sympathize with you but have you seen a doctor and counsellor to help get this under control?  It might help you keep your driver's license and avoid accidents.  At the very least, see if you can find someone to drive you or take the bus or a cab when you're stressed out, sick or tired.  It will relieve you and the public of one more obstacle in learning to drive. 
  • evil_twin said on Oct 31, 2007....
    batty--I'm starting to see that most of us are different people behind the wheel!

    cotterall--I don't know that I really need to see a shrink about this. I'm not hurting anyone. I don't actually drive that aggressively, it's just my mouth that I run off. I don't actually try to run people off the road or anything like that!
  • Eilan said on Oct 31, 2007....
    I'm the same way, though I have to behave when my girls are in the car.
  • MissMimi said on Oct 31, 2007....
    Honestly I don't do it that much.  I'm much more likely to use exaggerated politeness like, Please move your f$%&* car, sweetcheekscutiepiehoneybunch, through gritted teeth of course.
  • Fallyn said on Oct 31, 2007....
    the way it surprised you when it was pointed out to you testifies to that........that you aren't that assertive in other areas.
  • Brunettebmshell said on Nov 09, 2007....
    No, I would definitely never try to harm anyone that's for sure. I just keep it as verbal abuse, with my all of my windows rolled up and no one being able to hear me. Haha... 

    I guess there really is no point for me to even yell and curse, but boy does it feel good sometimes!


    BB

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