[Konzern]

Every month on the first weekend, unless my dad is running really behind, we go to Florida to go to Target and Kohls so he can pay his bills. Last month, actually on Father's Day, the Kohl's we usually go to closed.

My dad hates paying his bills online, if I might add.

So there's another Kohl's, but it's deep within the city, and my dad drives slow. Not like crippling slow, but my mom drove an ambulance for a couple of years, and she can do big city traffic and much faster than him. So it's about forty minutes (his pace) of "I hate driving here, I hate coming in the city," not to mention lots of swearing.

I don't like yelling, and I don't like riding in the city either because it's hard for me for know when a car is going to stop so some cars coming from the side scares me.

But my sister and I see the high points for us. One, we rarely go into the city, maybe three times a year if lucky. Once you get past Target, there's BAM, Hobby Lobby, AND that Kohl's is near a mall and Toys R Us. Plus, we always get Steak n Shake.

And the yelling and swearing stop once we get to where we're going. He's more like a kid than WE are in TRU. But the trip there and back...

[littl3chocobo]

well, when you've gotten home and have settled back down do you wish the day had not happened? if you do then it was not worth it if you don't then it totally was

[Glitch]

have you tried asking not to go?

i am also afraid of driving in the busier parts of town and get very stressed. Sometimes talking about how stressed i feel makes the drive a little more bearable as weird as that may sound.

[Poggio]

I have learned that a little venting is fine.

If there is a lot the person maybe redirecting something bigger that they are angry about.

To me it sounds like its worth it since it is something you rarely get to do. At least until you are able to drive and go without your father.

[Pregnant Pickle]

venting is good, because just upsets you more. same question as above, are you able to not go? be less stress free.

i find driving a chore. especially after my accident. i only drive to work and to home. if i have to go elsewhere...im definitely complaining. so dont feel bad, i completely understand.

[Konzern]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I am able to not go, I can stay home, but since I so rarely get to go I'm usually excited to go. Until everyone gets pissy, which ruins my mood. It wasn't actually too bad this time around, there was only one real snit fit from my dad, because he missed a turn and my mom was on her phone and not looking out for it, but he got us where we needed to go.

[whitesage]

Originally Posted by Glitch

have you tried asking not to go?

i am also afraid of driving in the busier parts of town and get very stressed. Sometimes talking about how stressed i feel makes the drive a little more bearable as weird as that may sound.

You should not avoid driving in busy roads this way you never overcome your fear you should try to do just the opposite and face it then only you will be more comfortable in driving in busier road.

[bluebird]

Maybe you could divert his negativity elsewhere. Like "hey pops, what was it like to live in the good ol' days?" or talk about a good experience in the city, or something he's very passionate about (other than hating). Positive thoughts!

If not, how about a tutorial on how to do a certain thing. Like if he's a cook (and that's his hobby/passion), what are the steps to make great spaghetti sauce? Maybe he'll still complain/curse, but he'll also want to calmly explain his secret to making the best spaghetti sauce you can make.