LOOKING AHEAD…AND BEHIND.

Is it just me or does it seem that people have a problem with being behind….anything? I noticed that I have a problem with people ahead of me, be it on the road or in line at the check out register, because I don’t exist to them.

On the road it has become apparent to me that folks don’t look in their mirrors anymore. They don’t care about whomever may be driving behind them. They don’t use turn signals, they come to almost a full stop to make a turn even on busy roads, and they do whatever the hell they want with absolutely no concern about the people behind them.

Even in the grocery or convenience store. They’ll hold up the line without giving a rat’s ass about the folks behind them. I’ve seen little old ladies hold up a line for seemingly forever while they hunt through their bushel-sized purses for coupons that they should’ve gotten ready while they were waiting in line. Then they count out a handful of pennies and nickels. They just don’t care! They’re in front of the line and it’s all about them. When they were behind someone else doing the same thing, they were being impatient like they were late for something.

I don’t mean to just single out little old ladies, I’ve seen men do the same thing. I was in a convenience store about fourth or fifth in line when a man got to the register and bought some lottery tickets and stayed right there and scratched them off to see if he had won anything! I guess he didn’t want to have to go to the end of the line to cash his ticket if he’d won anything. He made everyone wait until he was satisfied that he didn’t have any winning tickets before moving away and let the next person pay for their merchandise. The clerks don’t care, they get paid by the hour. Take all day up there, not a big deal to them. They get paid the same if they check out two people or ten.

Maybe I’m weird. I try to be courteous to others. I always use my turn signals on the road so the people behind me don’t have to guess what I’m doing. I make turns as fast as I safely can to avoid someone having to slam on their brakes and rear-end the guy in front of them because I made him stop so I could turn. I have my money, store cards, and coupons ready before I get to the cashier so I don’t hold up the line any longer than I have to. It does seem like I’m in a minority here.

I know people hate being in line. However, the person in front of the line doesn’t mind being in line at all anymore. He did when there were people in front of him but now that he’s at the head of the line, he’s content to take care of his business no matter how long it takes. Everyone’s in a hurry when people are in front of them but when there’s no one in front any longer, they’re not in a hurry anymore. The people behind them just don’t exist. Even when they were in line, they knew exactly how many were in front of them but are totally unconcerned about how many are behind them.

Nobody seems to want to be behind anyone. How many times have you been riding down the road and there’s a vehicle beside you going exactly the same speed as you. Then it becomes apparent that his lane is about to end. There’s nobody ahead or behind you. What does that other vehicle do? Does he slow down and get in behind you? Nope. He speeds up and pulls in front of you! They do it every freakin’ time. Then they turn off the damn road a block or two later and you have to slow down for them! They don’t care what you have to do. You’re behind them. You don’t exist anymore. And that’s how they want it. They HAVE to be in front.

When I’m riding my hog down the road, I’m constantly looking ahead, to the sides, and behind me. I check my mirrors continuously. I want to know where everyone is in relation to my bike. I guess I might have gotten use to checking my mirrors when I was younger. I was always getting pulled over by the cops. Usually it was for speeding but back in those days (1970’s), I would occasionally get pulled over for just being a long-haired biker. Seeing blue flashing lights in my rear-view was a common occurrence. I have a few amazing stories I could share but I’ll do that another time. Let’s just say it’s a bit unnerving having a cop yell, “LET’S SEE THOSE HANDS!” with his hand on his pistol. Yep! Been there, done that, have the t-shirt!

You always hear people say things like “I’m looking ahead” or “I’m looking forward to…”. That’s great! It’s a real positive attitude to have. Very optimistic! But don’t forget to look behind and back at the others who are looking forward and ahead. Let’s be more aware of our surroundings. Let’s be nicer to each other. Let’s be more courteous and polite to others out there. Don’t make me have to kick your ass, dammit!

Just my two cents worth. Give me your two cents worth. Hell, give me three cents, I don’t care.

Until next time, let’s be safe out there.
Johnny