Pete and I have divergent views on parking lots–different goals.
My goal is to swing the car into the first spot I see and get out as soon as humanly possible. Pete’s goal is to find the spot that is closest to the door of wherever it is we’re going, even if that means circling the lot a time or two.
These different parking philosophies were the source of our very first argument, and probably most of our arguments since. Fortunately, after fifteen years, I have finally learned that I don’t need to try to yank him over to my way of thinking.
For one thing, it doesn’t work. Seeking out the best parking spot is akin to the thrill of the hunt, and Pete gets a little surge of satisfaction when he nabs that spot that’s mere steps away from the door. What he really wants from me is to cheer: “Wow! Great spot, honey.” Not to grumble: “We’d have been inside by now if you’d parked at that one by the entrance instead of doing fourteen loops around.”
For another thing, who’s to say that my way is right, just because it’s my way?
So yesterday, when we were going to lunch after church and he drove by four spots to get the one by the door, I bit my tongue and grinned.
And I must confess: when we left the restaurant with full bellies and post-gorge sleepiness, it was a relief to walk just a few steps to the car.
for better, for worse, for life 
One of Hub’s biggest pet peeves is when I try to “help” him park. Learned even before marriage. I bite my tongue like a mad woman.
Aaah! Although, those extra steps couldn’t have hurt with the ‘post-gorge sleepiness.
It must be a common marital difference.
I always have to laugh, when passing a gym, at the war which occurs for close spots to go exercise.
Jamie — It’s a wonder I still have a tongue at all!
Bill — Yes, I did think of that, how the walk to the car would have alleviated some of the pinch in my waistband. Maybe. But it sure was nice to fall into the car!
I have to bite my tongue over this too. For me, it’s a control issue at its core. As many things are… sigh…. 🙂
Interesting that so many couples disagree about parking. My wife and I are no different, other than our reasoning, or lack of it.
I drive a 13-year-old pristine BMW and always park as far as I can get from other vehicles or where I think others may end up parking. That means I always get to walk from the very edge of any mall parking lot. When my wife and I are together, we always take her car, so I never hear any tongue crunching about where I choose to park.
On the other hand, she seeks out the smallest available space to squeeze her brand new Acrua SUV into. If there were only two cars parked in an otherwise empty lot, I swear she would attempt to park between them.
Not being a tongue chewer, I usually mouth off about it and get some assistance exiting the car from a partially opened door.