I REALLY do not like getting flipped off

[TimeforMe]

For some reason, this really bothers me and will sometimes stay with me all day. And....it happens a lot.....mostly when I'm driving of course, when there's that anonymity factor. Yesterday I was driving to work on the parkway and there's always traffic. When the exit I usually get off was approaching, I started to move over to exit but when I looked in my rearview mirror, I noticed the guy behind me was also moving over and trying to pass me! We were both exiting, I was ahead of him, what was the big hurry! Anyway he stayed very close to me while we were both getting off. I was turning left and he was turning right when he slowed down while he was passing me and flipped me off. This was a well-dressed adult obviously going to work, yet he felt he should do this So sad. This has happened also while I've had my kids in the car--even when they were little. I could never in a million years do that to anyone, never mind a mom with little ones in the car.

 

[Lucky4me]

Next time it happens, blow them a kiss and smile. They don't really know what to do with that.

 

[Hopetobee]

That doen't surprise me , but that just shows you can't tell by how "nice" a person looks , they can be real sickos!

 

[monkeyboy]

Funny you say that, I was watching Seinfeld last night and George was convinced EVERYONE was flipping him off

 

[grinningghost]

So sorry that jerk had to ruin your day. I hope he got a flat tire after he made his turn.

 

[Geoff_M]

I smile and wave... it drives them nuts!

 

[SnowAngel]

I just roll my eyes.

I hate it whe trying to switch lanes or similar and the other driver speeds up laughing and flips me off. Why?!? I guess some people get their kicks in weird ways.

 

[Hagred]

I like to piss them off even more by finding something interesting on my passenger seat or tuning the radio. Perhaps you could find something interesting your children were doing while you were both stopped at that turning point? Next best thing: pick up your cell phone and pretend to be talking to someone. BOY does THAT make them even angrier!

Another suggestion: if you know they're going to come even with your car, pick up a CD and look at the song titles on it. Even better if you got the guts: grab a map and ask them if they know how to get to point A. If they bother to respond, you answer should always be, "Well, then - what good are you?"

Nothing funnier than behaving as if the jerk has no impact on your life whatsoever.

 

[Lisa F]

You're not supposed to like it!

On the other hand, I disagree with even acknowledging that you saw it. I once had someone who was driving really aggressively and he flipped me off. I blew a kiss at him and he followed me to my destination and got out of his car and started screaming at me (I was a late teen). Good thing my friend's father was home and he came outside with a baseball bat and told the lunatic to get off of his property. Now I just ignore them, there are too many crazy people out there and if someone is already driving aggressively and flipping you off you do not want to take it to the next step.

 

[luckywife]

It bothers me too when someone flips me or DH off, especially if our kids are in the car. It's only happened to me a few times but when it did, I always felt like chasing them down and asking them just what in the hell their problem is. Wouldn't ever do it though, too scared it could be some crazy person who might shoot me or something. Most of the time when we're in the car, I try not to make eye contact with anyone else in their cars. I just stare straight ahead. I probably look like some zombie when I drive but I don't want to look at someone and give them the impression that I was staring or doing something "wrong." Some real creey people out there. Sorry the jerk ruined your day.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I flipped someone off once and he smiled and waved at me in return. It really really really bugged me...so now that's what I do!

 

[Lachesis00]

I don't think I've ever been flipped off... if I was I didn't notice it

 

[TimeforMe]

Originally posted by luckywife
It's only happened to me a few times but when it did, I always felt like chasing them down and asking them just what in the hell their problem is. Wouldn't ever do it though, too scared it could be some crazy person who might shoot me or something.

Yep, me too!

I like the suggestion of just smiling and waving. I think I'll try that next time

LisaF--Of course I know I'm not supposed to like it, but I get mad at myself for getting so upset over it.

 

[airhead]

....not a good idea in this day and age. Too many maniacs carrying guns who would not hesitate to blow you away for that kiss or wave. I know its hard to do ,but its safer to just ignore it and drive away. Living another day is much better than
taking the chance that the satisfaction you may get in pissing off some jerk, may end up costing you your life!

 

[Patty3]

There is just too much road rage in my area for me to do anything when someone flips me the bird. I have to admit there are times when I would like to do the flipping as well, I don't. People just cut you off all the time and you need to slam on the brakes and hope that you are not rear ended. You in your case there was no call for it.

 

[WDWHound]

Never flip someone off and never respond in any way if you have been flipped off. People are shot every year as a result of both behaviors.

 

[buddy&wooz]

I live in NJ, where you'd think people would flip each other off on a regular basis if you believe the hype! But I've been flipped off exactly once in 23 years of driving, and I deserved it. I cut off a guy on a motorcycle about 2 months after I got my drivers license (learned to always check my blind spots after that!)

I guess I'm either a decent driver or oblivious to people flipping me off .

 

[Chicago526]

My brother got into it with another driver once. I forgot what happened to set them off, but they pulled up even at the light, they started yelling at each other. According to my brother, the other driver's wife started yelling at her husband "to stop acting like an idiot, this whole thing was your fault anyway because you cut him off!" That shut 'em up!

 

[Dan Murphy]

I agree with the road rage factor. Anyone nuts enough to flip you off, is nuts enough to do something else. And, as you say, it is that anonymity factor that lets them do it in comfort. Not unlike here sometimes on this board. Some responses from people at times make you wonder what's up with people, but for some, they are faceless, no consequence.

Best is to ignore.

 

[totalia]

Why does this matter to you so much? You don't know this person. Just ignore it and go on with your day.