I like driving.
I like driving. Being able to go where you want, when you want. Not having to work to someone else’s timetable. Being able to go door-to-door. Enjoying the open road. Listening to your own music. Taking bulky items home without having to wait for delivery. Sitting comfortably in a familiar seat. Feeling the roar of your engine as you accelerate. Not having to buy travel tickets in advance. Not worrying about missing your stop. Not needing to arranged to be picked up or dropped off by others.
I hate driving.
I hate driving. Getting stuck in traffic jams. Having to constantly monitor your speed so that you don’t get caught by a camera. Stressing out on congested motorways. Not being able to do anything else except concentrate on the road. Getting annoyed by other drivers. Paying a fortune for fuel and insurance. Having to keep a complex machine maintained, and worrying about it breaking down. Getting lost. Taking a wrong turning. The incessant voice of the satnav. Being distracted by your other passengers.
I’m ambivalent about driving.
So on the whole, I’m ambivalent about driving. I was 31 before I passed my driving test and got my first car, and so I’ve been used to finding alternative ways to get around. And there are times when I love driving and being able to go places that are hard to reach by public transport — especially on Sundays. But there are other times when driving is really stressful and I wish I could be on a warm, comfy train where I can relax.
I’m fortunate that I live somewhere that has reasonably good public transport that is a viable alternative to driving. But I’m also so relieved that I have a car now.
