Have you ever had to change lanes in traffic?
Have you held off notifying other drivers of your intentions because you fear they will spoil your plans? Do not fear!
I have met fellow drivers who don't trust others when changing lanes.
They say, "If I indicate, then they will not let me in!"
I don't disagree with them, I used to think like that too. Until, I started using my indicating, to tell me the type of people who are driving the car near me.
When driving, there are 3 main types of people;
- Aggressive/Assertive
- Passive/Cautious
- Nasty/Belligerent
The first 2, are necessary, and you do not want just one type. 2 Aggressives or 2 Passives, just lead to stop/start, or accidents.
The 3rd type, are the reason changing lanes, can be difficult.
Aggressive/Assertive
Who are these types? That is easy. If you look at my post, and roll your eyes, or say, it isnt that hard to change lanes, then you are a type 1. You action, you know, and you do.Passive
Easy to pick these too. Cautious? Overly mindful of others? You feel good letting people in? Then that's you.
THE METHOD
Ok, so you want to change lanes.
- Check & Indicate.
2.If the person is Aggressive, they will tell you straight away. They will either speed up to not let you in, thereby getting ahead of you, or they will give you just enough space to get in. So, let them be ahead and get behind them, or move in front of them, they will normally look like they did a big sacrifice. So, give them a thank you wave.
If the person is passive, they will let you in. Unless, you break a rule or did something wrong. Change lanes & give a thank you wave.
If you have a nasty person, who just sits beside you, wanting to make your life difficult, then speed up a little bit, then slow down a little bit (without breaking).
Just give them a few seconds. The law says that drivers need to give way to each other. As the seconds tick by, the driver will end up looking like a Goose! So, just don't react. Let them have their moment. To react, encourages the behaviour, and the will keep it up. Keep your cool. You know who you are dealing with. Be above it.
Thank you wave!!
Just sharing a thought process. I hope it helps. Experiencing Anxiety is not easy.
I use the same method in other life situations.
I'm 
Appreciating a Supportive Personality.
