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I actually figured this is what you meant, and I agree with you. There is no need to leave a car length or more between you and the vehicle in front of you when you are stopped at a light. I see this all the time and find it especially egregious in turn lanes, because it backs up traffic to the point that people who want to go straight can't proceed in their own lane because the turn lane is backed up (b/c people are leaving large gaps between themselves and the car in front of them) so people who want to turn are now stopped in the straight lane.
It's become ridiculous! I now see people leaving a two, three car gap ... How about this now common bad driving habit: Swinging your car out like an 18 wheeler to make a turn. THIS is why I see so many idiots with dings all over their vehicles.
That's not a metaphor. But, yes, there are times when you have to. For example, I didn't want to go to my elderly mother's house yesterday afternoon to fix her computer. I had worked that morning and my wife and I were going to the movies. But we went there instead.
You can have a great career.
You can have a fantastic family life.
You can have an amazing personal life filled with friends, parties, and adventures.
Now, choose any two. Because you will only have the time and energy for two of those things at any given phase of your life. People who try to have all three almost never succeed.
What are some tips on being an adult that you think everyone should know? Every day I walk around wondering why adults act so childish. It's like nobody ever explained these things and they should've learned them by now. I'm defining adult as twenty-five and older. Here's my list:
1. Speak up when talking to people. You don't have to scream at the top of your lungs, but I have little patience for adults who mumble...especially men. It makes you sound timid or passive-aggressive if you have a tendency to talk under your breath. So speak up!
2. Make sure you're not in the way. This comes down to having an awareness of your surroundings. If you're standing on the sidewalk, or in a hallway, make sure you realize that and position yourself accordingly.
3. Be mindful of your kids and dogs. Just because you love them and think everything they do is cute and funny...doesn't mean everyone is going to feel the same way. When your child is in public, don't let them just stand around making noises and knocking on random things and running around. You'd get defensive if someone said something to them, so you need to make sure you keep them in line. With pets, if you keep your dog on a long leash, be mindful of their tendency to sniff and bark. Dogs are great, but not everyone feels that way. Keep them on a leash, and make sure they're secure, at home and in public. If that's too tall an order, don't have one (a kid or a dog).
4. Don't leave gaps when you're in a line or in traffic. I know why you do it: you want to leave room in case someone needs to cross in front of you or in the case of traffic, get over into your lane. Also, you may be trying to do it out of courtesy for the person in front of you. But see, the problem is, the space you're leaving in front of you is causing everyone behind you to huddle up on top of each other. There's only so much space. If you're in line during the lunch time rush, most people aren't going to take it personally if you stand directly behind them. It's busy and it's a line. Position yourself to make room for someone as necessary, but generally speaking, when you're a queue, act like it. No line lasts forever.
5. Learn to read thoroughly and write in complete, grammatically correct sentences. You don't have to be college-educated or use big words all the time, but knowing how to use your primary language is essential when you become an adult. Being literate gives you more power and confidence than you may think. Use spell-check and visit some grammar sites when you have nothing better to do and learn how to write. It helps you communicate your ideas better and people take you seriously when they see you know how to write. Also:
6. Do not conduct business via text message. I know texting is a part of our everyday life at this point -- that might explain the lack of literacy in our society -- but it has its intended purpose. Meeting up with friends? Picking up some stuff from the grocery store? What time is the game coming on? Cool. But if you're doing business, and by business I mean anything that involves money and/or property being exchanged, text messaging is not sufficient. Use a form or contract to lay out any terms and agreements, and e-mail to establish and keep contact.
7. Have money and keep track of it. All this tip means is, have money for the things you want/need to do, and if you're paying for something -- rent, bills, expensive purchases, etc -- have a record of what you spent and who received the payment. Don't constantly beg and borrow off your friends and family. I know a lot of people do a lot of paying-in-cash, but that's not wise. You need a paper trail; something accessible should you have to verify payment. That's why it's a good idea to one of those checking accounts everyone's talking about.
8. Know how things work.Moderator cut: delete know how to do stuff and how things work. Don't rely on other people to explain things to do you. Know how to handle things yourself. How to drive, how to use a map (or the appropriate app on your phone), how to handle a flat tire, who to call if something breaks in your home, etc. This sometimes comes down to spending money the right way. Get a home warranty, renter's insurance (if applicable), pay for roadside assistance (i.e. AAA), and look into an extended car warranty if necessary. But be able to take care of yourself.
9. Learn how to cook. You don't have to be Bobby Flay, but please learn how to cook for yourself. It'll save you money and you'll learn how to follow instructions and pay attention to detail. Just think of three things you love and learn to make it at home. Then expand. But there's no reason not to know how to cook, especially once you have a spouse and/or kids.
10. Take care of yourself. This includes going to the doctor if you're sick, and staying home if you're coughing and sneezing. It's not cute or commendable to go to work or school sick because here's the secret about germs: they spread. I'm not saying take a sick-day for every minor ache and pain, but spare me your germs, Sicky. And go to the doctor you big baby.
Please add to this list.
Everything but 4.
I cannot stand when people do that.
It is the most obnoxious thing ever. I do mind when people stand up my ass.
People let their purses, carts and bodies touch you and bump into you. I'll stand sideways in line, they're less likely to come up so close and be right in your face.
#11. Stop telling people what to do and insulting them with made up lists.
Or more succinctly, Worry only about what you can control and don't be so concerned about what other people do if it doesn't affect you. It is a waste of energy.
I wonder why this wasn't on the OP's list though.
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