So I got my first flat tire.
Suffice it to say, it was embarassing. Lots of people stared at me. On the plus side, I did get to officially use my hazard lights. That felt important. And yet also drew more attention...
Anyway, my dad came to my rescue and showed me yet again how to change a tire.
Now, it all made sense when he was showing me, but what if I don't have to do it again for, like, five more years? I won't remember.
When it comes to car things, I feel very inadequate. And frustrated. And jealous of guys who seem to just instinctually know what to do with all these... parts. Seriously, all you need is an open hood and suddenly guys are clustered around poking greasy items wedged into random spaces and muttering things like "transmission" and "suspension" and "weirdwordthatsoundsmadeup."
Is there some kind of handbook for men? Where can I pick one up? Or perhaps the Cliffs Notes edition?
And what makes a car so interesting? I'll admit it's a smidge intimidating to not understand at all the biggest machine I own. But I don't really care to understand it. I've had guys tell me not to worry, there will always be a man around who is willing to help a "damsel in distress."
Oh boy, that's reassuring. As long as I'm not in the middle of nowhere. And the man willing to help me is not an ax murderer.
Ugh. I just don't like feeling helpless. Or walking into a car parts store for something and having men look at me like, clearly she doesn't have a clue what she's doing. Or maybe I'm just imagining it.
Luckily, I know how to do... things. I can bake a mean batch of cookies. And use correct spelling and grammar. I am creative. I am knowledgeable. And helpless guys are always wandering into the library requiring my assistance.
So perhaps it all evens out in the end.
8 comments:
There are quite a few men who wander around the library looking for the car repair books.
That is an excellent point, Katey!
I thought our mechanic was making up a word when he said that there was something wrong with the solonoids (which I don't know how to spell), and then I heard that word on Car Talk.
That's the first I've heard of that too!
Hey, Laura, you’re not alone! There are many “damsels in distress” out there, so no worries. ;) But you know, it’s pretty important for us women to know how to fix tires. Admittedly, it is a tough job, considering the effort needed to remove and carry the tire, but doing so is a great advantage for you. Even the most basic information can go a long way for you in this case. Try to convince your dad to teach you again and again until you master how to change tires. Hehe.
LOL @ Laura "I did get to officially use my hazard lights." Well, I feel for you, but you don't need to worry that much. Because you have your car, the need for you to be equipped with details on what to do in cases like that is a must. You can always research on how to do those basic things like tire replacements. Or, you can always tell your dad to assist you over and over again. Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes! :)
Regards,
Erwin Calverley
That’s a good perspective to have, Laura. Sometimes, focusing on the things you’re good at is the way to do it, as well as to boost your confidence. However, it’s also good to try to make up for the things we cannot do at the present. As they say, practice makes perfect. Even if repairing a car is usually the men’s job, women should also try to delve into it and somehow have the sense of being independent in that aspect also.
Tyra Shortino
Good points, everyone! I'm getting there.
And hooray I get to learn more soon because I'm taking my cars in for repairs on Monday. Again.
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