Proud to be a woman driver!

That brings me to this strange fact – driving as female is a different skill.  Not to be sexist but females seem to have a tougher time parallel parking but I’ve also seen many men struggle at it as well.  When I am in female mode, I seem to not only lose my parking “gift” but just getting into my car can be an adventure.  Instead of just plopping myself into a seat in one easy move like male me tends to do, I’ve noticed female me must be aware when performing this rather simple movement.  Once I’ve opened the door I need to plan to turn half way around with my back toward the interior and lower myself down to the seat with the help of the steering wheel and then, with legs pressed together, slide them gently around and in.  If I’m wearing something short and/or tight I need to be even more careful that the hem doesn’t ride up too high.  Exiting is just as tricky.

Women also have a totally different posture and style while driving.  They/we seem to sit much more upright and much closer to the steering wheel while keeping both hands at the prescribed “10 and 2” position. I find myself just doing this automatically.

Men, on the other hand, slouch, lean back and steer with one arm.  Men also adjust the rear view mirror and, once it’s set, may never move it again whereas some women will often need to adjust the rear view mirror not just because of the change in seating position but also to apply makeup or check their lipstick. I know I do.

Finding a parking space while en femme is usually easier because, more often than not, I will be headed for a mall with its acres of head-in parking, but if I am faced with parallel parking, I find I’ve suddenly lost my maneuvering skill.  I hate it when I bump into the curb with my rear wheel or realizing I didn’t turn in sharp enough and I’m a foot or two away from the curb.  Either way, I have to pull out and try again.  It would seem I shouldn’t be having this problem but perhaps some female part of my brain is doing the parking.  I find it both frustrating and comical.

Something else I do, but I don’t know if other women do, is to bring a pair of flats because driving in heels does not work for me.  I find it dangerous as my ankle and foot are now at an angle to the pedals which seems unsafe to me. Once I’ve safely parked I can then slip on my heels and check my makeup before exiting my car and then click, click, clicking my heels on my way.  I’m pretty certain that a man would never think of changing his shoes just to drive his car.

I do worry that I may someday be pulled over by a policeman for some infraction or fender-bender or perhaps have car trouble. It’s always on my mind anyway but I’m extra cautious whenever driving en femme.  Male me could possibly have to face similar problems but not with all the female fears.

Although it’s more complicated to drive as Mary, I am proud to be a woman driver.  I think I drive much safer and definitely slower plus I get to see myself in the mirror!  Win, win, win!

• Have you been out driving in a vehicle in total girl mode and if so, how did it feel and go?
• Do you worry about someone checking you out while stopped at a traffic light while out driving in all girl mode?
• Have you gone through a fast food drive through while in total girl mode and how did that experience go?

Thank you girls for taking the time to read my article and feel free to offer up your comments to the article or provide an answer to one or more of the questions I’ve posed to you above!

And have a super 2022 girls!

With much love, Mary