To be a Non-Driver that doesn't expect lifts.

[usualsuspect]

Or am I a rarity?it would seem so reading all the moaning about giving people lifts threads on MN ATM.

[Tee2072]

Seeker I use the walk to and from to school as my exercise and that's why I refused both offers from fellow parents today.

I like walking. And I like the bus. Don't have to make polite conversation with people on the bus.

[seeker]

Well, obviously, 30 miles out of your way is a bonkers thing to ask. But the threads on here are always about people going to the same party, or picking children up from the same place. it's insane to complain about that!

[Latara]

I hate getting the bus on sunny days because the type of epilepsy i have is 'photosensitive' - i get a taxi i can't afford rather than get the bus on sunny days, because at least the taxi can stop if i ask them to.

[usualsuspect]

I think we feel guilty about our non-driving state.

We trudge in the rain while you are warm and snug in your cars.

[usualsuspect]

But seriously, I do like walking and do refuse lifts if I feel like a walk.

[Jins]

Well seeker, it's not just about where I'm going to. It's about how full my car is, how clean my car is, who the person is, whether I'm in a rush, whether I need to stop for petrol, whether I'm not in a chatty mood etc.

Most times it's convenient. Sometimes it's not

[treaclesoda]

yes, I don't mind giving someone else's children a lift to dance class or whatever. If I'm going that way anyway, its not inconvenient.

[Tee2072]

I don't feel guilty at all about my non-driving state. Why would I?

It's not by choice, it's by lack of funds to pay for lessons/tests/license/car/insurance.

I got my first US license when I was 17 and my first car at the same time, funded by my mother who insisted I drive so I could run errands for her. I missed it for about 2 months when I first moved to Belfast, now it's just a fact of life.

But I actually enjoy walking. Even in the rain.

[usualsuspect]

I should have said, we are made to feel guilty for accepting lifts.

Especially on MN.

[Catchingmockingbirds]

Yanbu. We grew up without a car, only one person in my family had a car and he lived too far away to give any lifts to us. Ex didn't drive either and neither do I so I never expect a lift anywhere, if someone does offer me a lift I'm very grateful and I always offer petrol money.

[treaclesoda]

don't feel guilty for accepting lifts.

If someone offers you a lift, you have to assume that they actually mean it.

If they offer you a lift, and secretly hope that you will say no because they don't want you to accept, then its their own bloody fault. I hate mindgames.

[Purple2012]

I don't think we are in the minority. I can drive but a couple of years ago due to pay cuts etc I made the decision to give up my car. I walk or get the bus pretty much everywhere. We do still have a car but my husband uses it for work so I don't often get to use it.

I am sometimes offered lifts, but unless that person has to actually pass by my house I decline. Or if they are passing I offer petrol money or if that's refused insist on paying for lunch/coffe or whatever. It doesn't take me long to walk to where I usually meet friends for lunch, or if it's pissing down I get the bus.

I think people that expect lifts are in the minority - it just annoys people so they are likely to come on here and moan.

[atthewelles]

As far as I am aware, there hasn't been a single post about people expecting drivers to go miles out of their way. It's just horrible, petty mean spiritedness. "it's my car. I don't want you to get in it, you horrible, non driving person. Why, I might catch "poor" from you! Or even "environmental awareness" which would be even worse!" QUote

[Mandy2003]

usualsuspect - I was going to post this thread when I saw the first moaning about giving lifts thread today. I don't drive but don't ask for lifts either.

Related to atthewelles quote - I know someone who bought a Smart car so she wouldn't be able to give lifts to two friends together. That really is mean IMO.

[AmandaPayne]

I drive, and I only offer a lift if I actually want to give one. I can't stand all that 'fake offer/pretend refuse' stuff. If I don't want to offer, I don't. Forthright me.

That said, I rarely actually give lifts these days as I am a SAHM of children firmly still in car seats, and most of the places I go are with other mums and kids, so unless it has been planned in advance you can't give anyone a lift as they don't have the right seats, blah de blah de blah.

[confusteling]

SamSmalaidh - tis £15 to get to next village and back, I'd far rather face the wrath of my Gran than fork out £15 for a two mile round trip!!

[Jins]

If that's the only reason to buy a smart car then what a strange person. Most people just buy a car that meets their needs surely.

I've only got 4 seats in my car so when we're all in it there's no lifts possible. That wasn't the reason for buying it though - small, economical cars aren't big enough for more than four seats

[atthewelles]

I think Mandy that qualifies as downright weird, rather than mean.

Amanda Good for you. I admit I sometimes offer a lift while inwardly thinking "Oh please say you're not going straight home/are being collected by DH. I'm soooo tired and just want to go straight home and if I drop you I'll have to come off the main road and get stuck in that one way system but if I don't offer a lift I'll look so mean because I know to you it seems like only a ten minute diversion......"

Sorry non-drivers who hate being offered lifts when the driver doesn't mean it, but drivers are only human too and try to do the right thing even if we have a private moan about it afterwards.

[5dcsinneedofacleaner]

I hardly ever get offered lifts (maybe i look dodgy!). I have no problem with it I normally get taxis since the buses never seem to go where I want. The only thing I take issue with is when family members organize parties/meals out which are miles and miles away from my house and then get really arsey with me when I say I cant come. I mean what exactly am I supposed to do fly? spend hours and hours on about 4 different buses? not eat for the rest of the week to pay for a taxi? what?

I have no problem not going tbh with some of them I am quite glad but I have actually stop speaking to me because I have refused invitations to trips out!

Also people who say why dont you just learn to drive and buy a car...well yeah I never thought of that they dont get that we dont have the money for lessons or a car so its a car ....or a house.

[dexter73]

StickEmUp - we used the car a lot when I was little and never went on buses so for my parents driving was the default position 40 years ago.

[Arseface]

I hate driving and feel it's very important for the DCs to walk/develop road sense/know how to use public transport etc so never accept lifts. We do live in an area well served by public transport and I have the car for emergencies but most drivers cannot seem to understand that we actually prefer walking.

Even in shitty weather (kids have all weather kit), The younger ones love splashing in puddles and the older like the chance to chat to me when they have my full attention.

If you don't/don't want to drive, don't go to places you can't get back from sensibly and have cab fare and numbers on you in case of an emergency.

If you drive and don't want to give a lift for what ever reason please don't offer. It is really not your job to ferry others around. Most non drivers are not expecting it. Those that are, are the entitled nightmares being ranted about.