On my drive to work I have to merge onto three very busy roadways. I am constantly saying to myself: \u201cPlease just let me in.\u201d<\/p>\n
One day recently this really struck me as I was driving. Why am I always asking for someone to let me in the flow of traffic? This feeling was so familiar and close to other moments in my life when I found myself saying, \u201cPlease let me in.\u201d<\/p>\n
That feeling of being outside and having to rely on the mercy of others resonated in so many ways.<\/p>\n
But I also have to acknowledge the other side of the coin. I have also been the person who decided whether to let someone in and I felt justified in not doing so.<\/p>\n
This thought about traffic flow really made me aware of how driving behavior translates to our relationships and interactions with others.<\/p>\n
Every day on the way to UCF I merge onto State Road 429 west of Orlando. As every driver obviously knows, improper merging can cause accidents.<\/p>\n
According to the Florida Driver License Handbook, when merging onto the expressway or highway, the drivers entering the flow of traffic must yield the right of way. They have to be prepared to speed up or slow down to find a way to enter during breaks of traffic. Even though the merger holds a lot of responsibility, every driver is responsible to do whatever they can to avoid accidents.<\/p>\n
Merging is an art form that works when there is cooperation and drivers are willing to yield \u2013 just like everywhere else in life. On those days that merging does not work well, it is due largely to the attitude and mood of the drivers. When drivers are considerate, there is more yielding and less screaming, yelling and hand gesturing.<\/p>\n
We all have the tendency to become impatient and testy drivers when traffic is heavy, backed up or just not moving fast enough.<\/p>\n
But I have become more aware that I must do my part to keep the flow of traffic consistent and safe \u2013 on the road and in life.<\/p>\n
Here are some principles that guide my interactions with others and enhance my relationships every day:<\/p>\n
Merging is more than a traffic term.<\/p>\n
Merging is how we navigate our interactions and relationships with others. When we become more aware of this we can make adjustments to how we treat each other on and off the road.<\/p>\n