My morning started off like any other, except I had to take my car into the mechanics because I was seriously lacking in that department and knew I was way over due. I was quoted an amount for just the basic tune up and figured it will probably be a little more because it has been a while. Well almost 4 times as much as I was quoted later, the gentlemen who quoted me is listing off everything that is wrong. I need a car, one that is dependable especially since I have a child, so I agree to have all that is needed done.
Well what set me off was this older gentleman who was in the waiting area who just started drilling me about my car:
First he was friendly about it, just asking what type of car and how old it was, when I told him a '93 Buick he got all upset like he was offended, asking if my car is even worth $750
"you know a simple oil change every 3 months could prevent some of your problems, it's only $30 or $40..."
I just shook my head and then he asked me my opinion on getting oil changes. It was almost like he was baiting me! I responded even though I had no reason to,
"I know it is a key part of owning a car, but when you are a single mother going to school full time, there are usually more pertinent things that needed to be taken care of."
WELL, that was like a slap in the face to him, his whole body went rigid and firmly asked,
"How the hell can you afford $750 when you can'f afford an oil change? It's a lot cheaper!"
I held my head up and looked him right in the eye and said,
"I just got my financial aid and it was time to have my car taken care of!"
Then I walked away.
Looking back now, it irritates me that some man can judge me about my owning an older car and not taking care of it. I had no need or reason to even give him the time of day by the time our conversation was over, but something in me just made me feel that I needed to defend myself. It was NONE of his damn business why or how I was paying for my car to be repaired. Now that I think about it, I could have been a real smart-ass and just told him, "I just robbed a bank but my get-a-way car needed a little boost!"
CJ
I'm wondering what he was there having done to his car! One of those choices I was not allowed to take when I was in high school was the option to take automotives...learning to work on my own car would have made me less dependent on a man! This old man sounds like he could very well have been one of those who blocked this choice and yet today, he sat in judgement of you for not being able to afford the timely upkeep. Were we able to make enough money to do regular maintenance, we would!We would not feel compelled to defend ourselves either.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is so many people open their mouths without thinking about what is going to come out, or how it will effect anybody :(
ReplyDeleteMy thought is:
ReplyDeleteHe could have offered to change your oil for you! If it is that important to him... While his argument is logical it IS none of his business.
One thing I know for sure about life is:
Everything always looks easier when you are just watching.
ps... I know someone who changes oil.
Janine
DeeDeeLee~ He was having a paint job done because he ran into some bushes that scratched the hell out of his side door.
ReplyDeleteCindyMarie~ Lots of people are infamous for opening mouths without thinking, I've tried not to take stuff to heart, but it's so hard.
DeanJ2~ That is very true, it is always easier when you're just a bystander. Thank you about the oil:)