Why is everyone here so upset?

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by RosemaryT

I know we're all in a hurry and I know the traffic in Hampton Roads causes a lot of stress, but why is everyone so angry all the time? Seems like people are just a smidge away from yelling and getting all bent out of shape.

I see it in parking lots and I see it at grocery stores and I see it on the roadways.

Do you think it's the stress from too many people in too small a space?

Or is it financial stresses?

What gives?

I think it is a factor of things. Some family members are deployed, rising cost of living, some are out of work or are worried about being out of work.

[ellar]

Several years ago my husband read a book that predicted the economic crash and said when it happened, society would develop a mean streak. I think that has happened, and the anonymity of online communications and the popularity of harsh people in the media has made it worse. I am saddened by the trend--and it's everywhere, not just in our area. I find it slightly frightening for my children. I find myself feeling sorry for anyone who lands in the news in particular since people are so callous these days. I think many people dwell on the shortcomings of others so they can forget about their own. I think it would do us all good to try to be more patient. I know I have been working on that!

[quick83]

wow i can not believe i found this post, i have also noticed this for some time. I feel the best wat to get around now is not on the highway due to severe agressive driving. I take the back roads and am protected by maniacs by the lights , it may take me 5-10 min longer but my stess level is worth 10 min to me. I think part of it is a control thing. people do not like being controlled by the person in front of them that is going 5-10 over the speed limit allready so they tail gate,,funny thing everyone i talk to about it says" yea that's crazy, people drive crazy" and then I see them out there acting just like the rest, my kids are driving like all others and are both stressed out completly. There is alot to be freaked out about right now, the serenity prayer gets me through most situations these days like when i sat in base traffic for 4 and a half hours last week due to a security drill.

[RosemaryT]

Originally Posted by ellar

Several years ago my husband read a book that predicted the economic crash and said when it happened, society would develop a mean streak.

That is *so* interesting! Civility is a learned response, and it's a real discipline and a hard thing to learn because our human nature is to flail about, and lash out in response to real or perceived slights. I think it's been a long time since anyone was taught civility in school (or at home).

Originally Posted by ellar

The anonymity of online communications and the popularity of harsh people in the media has made it worse...I find myself feeling sorry for anyone who lands in the news in particular since people are so callous these days. I think many people dwell on the shortcomings of others so they can forget about their own. I think it would do us all good to try to be more patient. I know I have been working on that!

Years and years ago, I had a good friend who landed in the media and the public made her life a living hell. People drove by her house and stared, and people looked at her like she was the devil incarnate. Fortunately, three days later it was all forgotten, but it was a powerful life lesson for me.

I think you're right - that it's gotten much worse lately.

[quick83]

Oh yea i just had another thought, the same people that drive like maniacs are the ones who complain about gas prices. I did an experiment and drove like everyone else for 2 weeks and my mileage went down 4 mpg driving 60 miles a day-this equals approx 40.00 a month when gas was only 2.20 a gal. I'll take the money I save (its my right to drive the speed limit) and put up with a bunch of tailgating and angry people. I pitty the one who hits me from behind, I will be suing. Why do we set speed LIMITs and no one follows them? If people do not like the speed limit they can lobby to get it increased. But we all know they will just drive faster. Mabe when gas hits 5.00 a gallon they will slow down.

[OwnHomesInVA]

Originally Posted by RosemaryT

I know we're all in a hurry and I know the traffic in Hampton Roads causes a lot of stress, but why is everyone so angry all the time? Seems like people are just a smidge away from yelling and getting all bent out of shape.

I see it in parking lots and I see it at grocery stores and I see it on the roadways.

Do you think it's the stress from too many people in too small a space?

Or is it financial stresses?

What gives?

Hi Rosemary,

Lots of Military here and traffic but I don't share the same perception having lived here since 1984. I live in Virginia Beach and people are generally nice.

I think it depends on what lifestyle you are acclimated to. If someone moved from a smaller town, I wouldn't be surprised if they deem the area fast paced and stressful.

Traffic on the HRBT and Downtown Portsmouth Tunnel would definitely raise my stress level if I had to go through it everyday.

To avoid traffic, I basically take different routes depending on the time of day or I wait 1-2 hours for the traffic to dissipate.

Where do you currently live in Hampton Roads and where did you come from?

[Upsilon]

Check this article out, a man put a woman in a coma because of a parking spot. You think this area is stressful because of traffic? Crazy stuff: Man who put woman in coma over parking spot claims self defense - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110307/us_nm/us_crime_parking - broken link)

[Erma]

Originally Posted by Upsilon

Check this article out, a man put a woman in a coma because of a parking spot. You think this area is stressful because of traffic? Crazy stuff: Man who put woman in coma over parking spot claims self defense - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110307/us_nm/us_crime_parking - broken link)

There's wack jobs all over the place these days. Here...it's just people complainin'. IMO we have nothin' to complain about.