Calm and serene people would not have a problem when stuck in traffic jams. Caught in a car pileup, they would just tune out the din from car horns blasting and people shouting, gaze around them with a vague smile and wait it out. But calm and serene are not what most people are. Rush hour jams have an adverse effect on our poise and blood pressure, and we just try to cope as best we can. One would look a wee bit creepy, if not slightly idiotic, to be beaming blissfully over such mayhem. We normal people are not like that — we have distinct personalities, with our own little quirks and issues. So, tell us, which personality type are you?
THE OCDC PASSENGER
People with a tendency to be obsessive and compulsive need to have something to engross themselves with when they are stranded for an hour inside a stationary vehicle. If cleanliness is your thing, then clean the car. Pick up all the used tissues and peanut shells left by inconsiderate passengers. and make a solemn vow never to give them a lift again come hell or high water. Wipe every part of the car from the steering wheel down to the pedals. If necessary bring out the vacuum and suck in every bit or fur Brownie has shed or every strand of hair from Tita Trining’s once-thick tresses. Still have time? Get out and wax the car shiny. After which, you sit back and spend the remaining half-hour obsessing on the rosary hanging on your rear-view mirror . You keep reaching out to hold it still but seems to have a mind of its own. Why does it keep swinging?
THE DEPRESSIVE
Be prepared beforehand if you have a tendency to get depressed easily. Do the obvious things like setting up a pleasant environment with music, spraying lavender essence and bringing along some comfort food. But you can also bring friends with similar dispositions and create an instant support group. Use the time to share experiences and talk about others less fortunate than you. Gloating would help you endure your predicament more tolerably. Practice laughter yoga to lighten the mood but resist the urge to escalate into maniacal laughter. That would put you perilously on the road to complete madness.
THE CLAUSTROPHIC
Now you’re stuck in the car, feeling claustrophobic, breathing fumes from the truck in front. That’s not good for your health. It looks like rain. What if it starts flooding? You are going to be late. You get tense minute by minute so before you start hyperventilating, try talking to yourself. Debate on the merits of getting claustrophobic or rolling down your windows and breathing fumes. Assure yourself that it’s okay to be late for the party because you’re on a diet anyway. If it starts to flood, persuade yourself it would be an adventure to have your car swept up by the rising waters, sort of white water rafting for free. See? It’s not so bad after all. As long as you are not calling that other self by another name, the exercise will be good for you.
THE ROAD RAGER
Quick to anger? Well, you need to do something quickly before you start blasting your car horn and hitting everything in sight. Your heavy, Gucci handbag with gold-plated fittings can do serious damage to both your car and the other passengers. Instead of seething at the other cars, focus on yourself and try to rationalize. If you had just stayed at home and studied for that exam instead of insisting to go clubbing, you wouldn’t be in this predicament. You only have yourself to blame so get over it!
Illustrations by Bank Jaruthammakorn
MORE WAYS TO DEAL WITH TRAFFIC:
– Stuck in traffic? 6 ways to exercise your brain
– Stuck in traffic? Tell us a joke
– Stuck in traffic? Bring and train a pet
– Stuck in traffic? Sleep
– Stuck in traffic? 6 ways to give your car TLC
Reader Interactions