On Merging

by Kris Pitcher

You know how frustrating it can be when you're trying to pull out into a congested area from a parking lot or alley. Drivers see you out of the corner of their eye, but look ahead. You have your signal on, you inch out, but they keep closing the gap on you. You try to make eye contact and send the message, "Would you let me in?". No one will let you in.

Now you're the one closing the gap. You have the right of way, why should you let that guy in? Sure you see him with his signal on, but you're trying to make that light and if you let him in you might miss it. Besides, no one let you merge. Don't make eye contact.

This is what it feels like to be different. To be the fat girl. The fat guy. It feels like no one will let you merge. It feels like people must see you but they won't make eye contact.

It feels like there's no room for you and people make a point of it. It feels like it's obvious you don't fit and some jerk has to make it apparent to everyone else around. It feels like you're just trapped there, waiting. It feels like it would be nice if someone would just let you merge.

Being nice in traffic is a lot like being nice in life. And my point is that everyone knows how it feels to be the one struggling, whether you know it or not...now you know it.

So, stop being so mean. Start supporting one another, helping one another, and being nice. Start making people feel like they are important, like they fit in, let them merge.

Stop being so critical of yourself, and of other people. Quit picking away part by part until all that's left is one acceptable ear. Begin to see people for their character and potential rather than for what society perceives as their faults.

Stop closing the gap and start making eye contact. Be nice and let someone merge.