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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to wonder why people park next to lone cars?

161 replies

mrsCtheRed · 02/04/2026 20:40

So I've just got back from shopping, and once again, some absolute dickhead has parked right next to me, when there are about 168 free spaces, and only about 20 cars actually parked.
Surely it makes sense, when there's a block of empty spaces, to park in alternating bays, for the convenience of everyone?

I notice this ALL THE TIME, and I so want to come back to my car whilst somebody is actually mid park, and ask them Why? Why?
For the love of god, why?!?!!!!!!!!

I just can't get my head around why people choose to park next to an already parked car, when there's acres of spaces free 🤯

And the most annoying part is, I always park right at the far end of any car park, in the hope that its less likely to happen, and it still happens!

Can anyone give me an insight into why people do it? As I've now just come to the conclusion that they're all either selfish bastards, or thick as shit.

OP posts:
FionnulaTheCooler · 02/04/2026 20:55

Anjo2011 · 02/04/2026 20:49

I think some people find it easier to judge where the lines of the space are when there’s already a car parked. I cannot think of any other reason. I’m with you though, I don’t understand it.

This. The bays at my local supermarket are quite hard to see, they're brick with a lighter coloured brick to show the lines rather than paint, but it makes it difficult to see the colour difference when it's wet. It's much easier to judge when lining up against another car. I have a small car though so there's always still plenty of space between the cars.

Original poster
mrsCtheRed · 02/04/2026 20:54

MadisonAvenue · 02/04/2026 20:49

I was walking back to my car the other day and could see from a distance that someone had parked right next to me despite there being loads of empty spaces.
I was walking along having a right moan to myself and when I got closer I realised it was my son’s car, he’d parked there to wind me up.

🤣🤣🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
mrsCtheRed · 02/04/2026 20:52

RenegadeKeeblerElf · 02/04/2026 20:47

Why does it matter? What's the problem with someone parking next to you? I get it's annoying if they've parked too close, but you don't say that in your OP, you're implying that simply parking next to someone is selfish and I don't see it.

I just find it absolutely baffling. Parking spaces are so tight - and I don't have a big hulking suv, just a standard family Mondeo size car - I just can't understand why anyone would make it more of a faff (for themselves aswell) having to wriggle out of our cars, when you can just leave one space in between, and we can all get in and out easily.

OP posts:
PashaMinaMio · 02/04/2026 20:50

It’s just the same when you are the only soul looking in a shop window. Suddenly others, out of nowhere join you. Curiosity I guess; what’s she looking at?

It’s called “the herding instinct” safety in a crowd.

Anjo2011 · 02/04/2026 20:49

I think some people find it easier to judge where the lines of the space are when there’s already a car parked. I cannot think of any other reason. I’m with you though, I don’t understand it.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 02/04/2026 20:49

It's easier to see another car than lines on the floor, so easier to park.

MadisonAvenue · 02/04/2026 20:49

I was walking back to my car the other day and could see from a distance that someone had parked right next to me despite there being loads of empty spaces.
I was walking along having a right moan to myself and when I got closer I realised it was my son’s car, he’d parked there to wind me up.

WhatAMarvelousTune · 02/04/2026 20:48

Why is it selfish?

Strange perhaps, but selfish?

RenegadeKeeblerElf · 02/04/2026 20:47

Why does it matter? What's the problem with someone parking next to you? I get it's annoying if they've parked too close, but you don't say that in your OP, you're implying that simply parking next to someone is selfish and I don't see it.

Amiacoolorwarmcolour · 02/04/2026 20:45

I find it strange too.

Springandaprayer · 02/04/2026 20:42

Too much choice in an empty car park. Easier to follow someone else's lead and park with them.