Irrational fears

[Bramble_killer]

So, I'm not being very productive at work this morning and feeling a bit sorry for myself to have to drive to my physio appointment this afternoon. It's really stupid, it's in the town next to where I live and I've been driving from work to home for a week now and it won't be during rush hour.

OH has been emailing me and telling me not to be stupid but I'm really scared of doing one long stretch. I have a terrible complex about my driving (my family took the piss out of me for years and this is the first time I've driven regularly).

What are your irrational fears and what do you do about them?

[Two_Sheds]

Mr TS has the same fear as you - he didn't even pass his test until he was 35. Until he met me, he'd not driven outside our county: now he's driven to London, Leeds, Brighton & Cornwall. It's still not easy though, he gets very very stressed and shouts at me the whole way

His fear is of getting lost I think - he tends not to read signposts and just goes by instinct, or will blindly follow the Sat Nav even when he knows it's wrong. I don't think they are very helpful

What's the worst that could happen? You might be late, you might get lost, so take a map, your favourite music and some snacks

[Aberdeenplotter]

So, I'm not being very productive at work this morning and feeling a bit sorry for myself to have to drive to my physio appointment this afternoon. It's really stupid, it's in the town next to where I live and I've been driving from work to home for a week now and it won't be during rush hour.

OH has been emailing me and telling me not to be stupid but I'm really scared of doing one long stretch. I have a terrible complex about my driving (my family took the piss out of me for years and this is the first time I've driven regularly).

What are your irrational fears and what do you do about them?

Bramble, it's just a lack of confidence you have and that will dissipate the more you drive. Take a pal with you if you can and that in itself should distract you from the worry aspect.

As far as irrational is concerned, tesco used to have carry baskets with clear handles and baskets with blue handles. i just couldn't bring myself to touch the clear handled ones. I know, I'm a weirdo

[FionaH]

I don't like new or long journeys alone either. I avoid doing motorways at all costs, it's the reason I didn't come to grapestock.
I do find having the radio on helps. Oh and if you are that way inclined, I pray before all long journeys and ask that I am kept safe and do no damage to anyone else.
Deap breath and go for it xxx

[jackie j]

When my sister passed her driving teast many years after I did, I told her not to look at the whole journey but small chunks of it and it worked, so if you know where you are going think about each stage of the journey, are than any landmarks that you can think of, once you pass the first one think of the next and so on. Dont worry about it you will be fine.

[Glutton4...]

((HUGS)) from me - you'll be fine!

PMA - Positive Mental Attitude!

Yes, I know, it's easy for me to say; I'll drive anywhere, even with a Trailer or Caravan on the back. However, I always make sure I have my Sat. Nag. a Map and my phone. Although, for long journeys, or places I've never been to before, I prefer to take Mr. G as navigator, and we share the driving.

[scarey55]

I was terrified when we first moved here because up to then OH had always done the continental driving because he is such a terrible passenger. The thought of driving on the "wrong" side of the road scared me silly (and I am Scarey!)
One day, I had to do it - no choice, can't really remember why. I got lost a couple of times and had to retrace my steps but I did it and now, I don't even blink - in fact, I am off to Montlucon (45 mins away) in a little while.
There has been some brilliant advice on here so steal yourself and go for it YOU CAN DO IT -we'll all be in the car with you (actually, scratch that - you'll be more scared with us watching you )
You'll be fine

[piskieinboots]

ooh hun - don't let comments from others stick in your mind, as AP says, it does get better with more practice.

Whenever we move to another new posting I jump in the car (alone) and just drive off round and about, I get myself lost(ish) and then have to find my way home - it's a great confidence booster.

TS's advice is good, take a map book, take a snack, prepare for it - nothing bad will happen.

Remember, you can pull over and stop for a breather anytime you wish - assuming you're not in the fast lane of the motorway

[Alison]

I prefer to be on my own if I'm driving somewhere new that way there's nobody sat next to be getting exasperated and I don't have to tell anybody when I get back. Far less stressful.

[Glutton4...]

I prefer to be on my own if I'm driving somewhere new that way there's nobody sat next to be getting exasperated and I don't have to tell anybody when I get back. Far less stressful.

LOL Alison - I hadn't thought of it like that!

[Glutton4...]

My other thought is this;

Remember, you are female, so you can always stop and ask the way!!!!!!!!

[Nicos]

I too was scared to death when I first drove over here!!(in my old RHD)

I have driven my OH's LHD car and just didn't get on with it at all...changing from 5th to 1st just didn't go down well at all!!!!!
...couldn't position myself properly in the road etc etc,...exasperated yelps(etc) from OH put me off so much that I just made the decision that I didn't HAVE to drive it...and so I've refused ever since ( self empowerment if that's the right word???)
Yup- I'm sure I could do it if push came to shove( ie an emergency)..but I suppose I do have a bit of a phobia about it.

The sat nav is an absolute must for me though in my car...I used to worry that if I got lost, I'll stay lost!...but sat nav,mobile phone,general map and spare money...and I'm fine!!!

As you will be too BK- and if you do get lost - phone the physio to cancel your appointment- or ask for directions.

(At least in the UK you don't have to worry about 'priority from the right'!!!!)

...you'll be fine BK...just take it slowly!

[Nicos]

My other thought is this;

Remember, you are female, so you can always stop and ask the way!!!!!!!!

Te he!!!...that's Soooo true!!

[Bramble_killer]

awww...you're all so sweet!! Thank you so much for the lovely and wonderful advice.

I'm going to go for it but drive a bit longer as I know the roads that way instead of a new route.

Then the joys of hospital car parking!!!!

[Glutton4...]

BK, if you haven't got one already, get a Sat.Nag. A cheap TomTom is easy to use, and can help you if you're relatively new to getting around on your own. Put it on for every journey, even if you don't get it to direct you. You'll be surprised how well you do actually know your way around!