Grown Men who can't drive. Do you find them weird?

Crea · 20-02-2014 12:15AM

My husband learned to drive when he was 38 - we lived in the centre of cities before that so a car wasn't necessary and parking would have been a pain in the ass. We both learned when we moved out the country when we needed a car.

Pug160 · 20-02-2014 12:21AM

NiallSparky wrote: »

That's not the case. The opposite of "is becoming important" is "is not becoming important" (rather than "is becoming important to not drive"), as dolanbaker said.

Whether it is actually "essential" very much depends on what industry you work in.

I have reread what I initially wrote and it turns out I am right after all, mr pedantic. I said it is becoming ''increasingly important'', not ''is becoming important''. You misquoted me. So the opposite of what I actually typed would be ''it's becoming less important'' (decreasing rather than increasing).

Greyfox · 20-02-2014 12:22AM

The Clown Man wrote: »

Anyone I've known who doesn't drive FREQUENTLY need lifts here there and everywhere, usually at the inconvenient times, because they can't bloody drive themselves, and it's urgent.

If you don't drive you rely on others far too much without even realising it.

Their are some non drivers who don't ask anybody for a lift though and don't rely on others, and those who do ask and are not family you can just say no.

Amirani · 20-02-2014 12:22AM

Pug160 wrote: »

I still stand by what I typed, pedantry aside. It is more important nowadays, generally speaking. There may be instances where it's not important, but it certainly limits your career options and in some cases, quality of life. By the way, you might want to read my other post again, as I didn't say it was essential for every job. You're not as clever as you obviously think you are.

I never claimed that you did, but whatever...

hoodwinked · 20-02-2014 12:23AM

Femme_Fatale wrote: »

Not comparing like with like.

I don't find it weird but for certain situations from a certain point in life onwards, it can cause restrictions on independence, and can inconvenience others too.

i was trying to use a skill i don't have as an example so picked the one i was worst at,

it can, but it also depends, i know grown adults who don't drive, but are quite happy to walk/cycle/pay for a taxi and they get around just fine,

there are people who can drive that still inconvenience others,

it really does depend on the individual circumstances, i just don't think those adults who don't drive are weird.....

Pug160 · 20-02-2014 12:27AM

NiallSparky wrote: »

I never claimed that you did, but whatever...

No, but you were stating the obvious - something most 4 year olds would know.

Amirani · 20-02-2014 12:29AM

Pug160 wrote: »

No, but you were stating the obvious - something most 4 year olds would know.

If it's "obvious" that certain people don't need to drive, why would they be considered "weird" for not doing so?

thegreatgonzo · 20-02-2014 12:31AM

HooohRaaah wrote: »

Personally I find it odd if a grown man can't drive. Would anybody else share that opinion? There just seems to something really strange if a man is over 24 years of age and can't drive.

I've changed my opinion on this in the last few years. I seem to have gone out with quite a few lads who never bothered to learn how to drive and I didn't really mind at the time as long as we didn't leave the city. Now that I'm back living in the country and drive a lot more I realise how much more you can do and see when you have one and I think if I did meet a man now who hadn't learned I would have reservations.
It is different in the country though, getting your own car is more like a rite of passage, it makes you independent and it's the first time you really feel like an adult in a way.

Pug160 · 20-02-2014 12:33AM

NiallSparky wrote: »

If it's "obvious" that certain people don't need to drive, why would they be considered "weird" for not doing so?

What happened to your other post? I never said anyone was weird. Where did I type that?

Stained Class · 20-02-2014 12:38AM

Of course it's bloody weird!

WTF is wrong with them?

I was driving tractors when I was 12.

Cars in the road, at the same age.

Couldn't wait to get behind the wheel.:D

Learning to drive should be thought in schools.

Might be an idea to give it a go. Ditch the Peig & teach the kids something useful.

super_furry · 20-02-2014 12:40AM

WikiHow wrote: »

In rural areas most men drive as it essential, in cities and big towns where public transport networks are available i imagine alot of men cant drive, i dont find these people weird as its the way they grew up with the transport they have.

Sums it up perfectly.

Amirani · 20-02-2014 12:40AM

Pug160 wrote: »

What happened to your other post? I never said anyone was weird. Where did I type that?

It's the topic of the thread.

super_furry · 20-02-2014 12:42AM

Stained Class wrote: »

Of course it's bloody weird!

WTF is wrong with them?

I was driving tractors when I was 12.

Nothing weird with that at all.

AllGunsBlazing · 20-02-2014 12:44AM

I learned to drive in my early thirties. At first I was really excited by the sense of freedom that came with it. But that soon subsided and was replaced by exasperation at other peoples driving and boredom from being stuck in traffic jams.

It all just brought out the worst in me so I tend to hoof it now.

Stained Class · 20-02-2014 12:45AM

super_furry wrote: »

Nothing weird with that at all.

Perfectly normal out the sticks.

But, to be fair, I was car mad ever since I could remember.

Loved driving when I was younger.

Pug160 · 20-02-2014 12:46AM

NiallSparky wrote: »

It's the topic of the thread.

It's not relevant to our personal discussion though. You barged into the thread in an attempt to patronise me and look intellectual and you have ended up falling on your backside. Good job, Niall. Maybe you can go to bed a bit more humble now. I'll be going to bed with a headache after reading some of this.

whirlpool · 20-02-2014 01:20AM

A lot of people taking this thread oddly seriously...

The_Valeyard · 20-02-2014 01:25AM

Wouldnt say they are weird.

Just they are missing out. Its a great advantage to be able to go/leave anywhere you want on this Ireland without timetables, schedules, etc. And very handy to pop to the shop in the wet weather

rughdh · 20-02-2014 01:31AM

I used to drive until I had an operation to extend the size of my penis. Now I don't need to.

Stained Class · 20-02-2014 01:35AM

whirlpool wrote: »

A lot of people taking this thread oddly seriously...

True.

I wanted to be at the wheel from when I could remember.

Back in the day, sitting in the front seat with my Dad, I could point out all the cars of the time...

Hillmans, Austins, Morris Minors, Ford Anglias, the whole show.

I could not wait 'till I got behind the wheel of a car.

And when I did, it was Heaven. Aside from being intrested in cars it was independence.

Go when you want to go to what ever place you wanted when ever you wanted.

Who would not want that?

zenno · 20-02-2014 01:37AM

Oh, for folk saying that being stuck in congested traffic while driving

"and I can cycle past it all while laughing"... super-cool is it ?. I was an avid cycler in the past and It was a right pain cycling 30 miles in the rain/sleet and snow.

Now I just sit and relax in this ton of metal with good music, no matter the weather, while listening to good music. My own comfort zone, I'll still get to my destination regardless of congestion. Don't forget, if you get the bus, it has to stop many times and wastes time as much as being stuck in congestion.

But the stress-free travel experience in full control of your ability to get to where you need to be whether taking an alternate route of which buses can't do is great. You have full control of your mind-map... as in travelling many alternate routes to cut time.

The rain is thundering down. The wipers are going full on, and you are listening to great music and moving along in absolute comfort. It's an experience to behold in terminating weather.

For me... comfort is the key.

shruikan2553 · 20-02-2014 01:40AM

Stained Class wrote: »

True.

I wanted to be at the wheel from when I could remember.

Back in the day, sitting in the front seat with my Dad, I could point out all the cars of the time...

Hillmans, Austins, Morris Minors, Ford Anglias, the whole show.

I could not wait 'till I got behind the wheel of a car.

And when I did, it was Heaven. Aside from being intrested in cars it was independence.

Go when you want to go to what ever place you wanted when ever you wanted.

Who would not want that?

I live in the city, I can go wherever I want without the cost of keeping a car. In the country its a pain in the ass but for people who dont a car can be more hassle than its worth.

How Soon Is Now · 20-02-2014 03:42AM

This makes about as much sense as asking if you find grown women who cant cook weird ?

I have no interest at all in driving never have and i dont know if i ever will. I tried to learn and hated it. Its not for everyone and its not essential either.

Ive done grand without it for nearly 28 years now.

J_E · 20-02-2014 03:46AM

I'll get a driving license for the sake of it but I have no real desire to get a car right now, nor do I need one. Expensive and unnecessary at the moment to be honest. Only thing that would change my mind is if I genuinely needed it for a job and there was no other option.

fr336 · 20-02-2014 04:12AM

What about grown women?

happyviolet · 20-02-2014 10:22AM

The Clown Man wrote: »

Not being able to drive = burden on others.

Anyone I've known who doesn't drive FREQUENTLY need lifts here there and everywhere, usually at the inconvenient times, because they can't bloody drive themselves, and it's urgent.

They also assume the "you have to call to me cause I don't drive" at every possible turn because "it's 5 minutes for you and 50 for me".

The fact that all of this only becomes truly apparent to a person AFTER they start driving (when they suddenly realise that it's not just popping into a comfy chair for 30 mins) doesn't help.

If you don't drive you rely on others far too much without even realising it.

And that sucks.

This is the only time where I would agree that someone who does not drive needs to start learning, if they constantly need lifts. It's one of the downsides of never being behind the wheel, the person then has no idea of how costly and time-consuming (when stuck in traffic) driving is.

I cannot drive but I do plan to move out soon to a town or city where there is good public transport (well, good enough for Ireland anyway) but I am sick of relying on people for lifts, I'd nearly rather pay a huge chuck of rent money for the summer if I got a job in the town/city, than staying at home and being driven everywhere.

Ray Palmer · 20-02-2014 10:31AM

Pug160 wrote: »

I wouldn't recommend getting into a discussion with a friend about why he or she doesn't drive. I've tried it, and it just comes across as patronising, especially if they're defensive. As human beings, we have a terrible tendency to be in denial about certain things - we all have our own little in denial moments. The best thing to do is just encourage others and wait for them to want to do something themselves. People like to make all sorts of excuses but they'll do it in the end if they really have the desire.

It doesn't come across as patronising it is patronising. There is no denial, who are you to say somebody should learn to drive. Do you tell them when to buy a house , get married or have kids?

Do they tell you to better educate yourself, drink less exercise more? If you are doing this to each other you aren't friends

rubadub · 20-02-2014 10:34AM

fr336 wrote: »

What about grown women?

The OP already answered this

HooohRaaah wrote: »

Why have I left out half the population? Basically it's more accepted if a woman can't drive.

So he thinks it's just a given that all women weirdos, so no point even asking. And then he wonders why people get "touchy", christ knows how he is phrasing his questions in real life.

HooohRaaah · 20-02-2014 10:51AM

A grown up man having to rely on public transport and others to drive them around?
That's absolutely hilarious.

Alf Veedersane · 20-02-2014 10:54AM

HooohRaaah wrote: »

A grown up man having to rely on public transport and others to drive them around?
That's absolutely hilarious.

Yeah, it is.

I'd rather live on bread and water and drive a car I don't need than make do with public transport.

Grown Men who can't drive. Do you find them weird?

Comments