How do I deal with a party pooper? (license, free, the best)

[Ron.]

It's been a while since I started a thread on CD...but here it is


I have 3 friends that want to visit me in Chicago this summer and from Chicago we are all going to go to NYC for 4 days. I can't wait.


One person in the group refuses to to use public transportation(bus,subway,taxi). She wants to rent a car and drive around. I've explained to her that it makes no sense in either city to use a car. Especially since we are going to be downtown and in the most lively areas.

As long as I live in Chicago, I'll never own a car. If I move to the NYC area, the same holds true.


They've already booked hotels....how do we deal with this party pooper?

[Huckleberry3911948]

do it with 3.

[firefightermom]

I guess tell her she's outnumbered and give her the option of backing out. Does she have a real reason for not wanting to use public transportation? Medical problem? Perhaps she's scared for some reason.

[Ron.]

FFM,


She has no reason other than " I don't want too". She's been to Chicago before, we never ge together when she visits because I use public transportation exclusively. I enjoy it myself. It's the best way to get around Chicago and it's fun. All of my friends and family that visit love using public transit. They think it's exciting and it is, if this is not your normal way of travel.


Thanks FFM



Ron

Originally Posted by firefightermom

I guess tell her she's outnumbered and give her the option of backing out. Does she have a real reason for not wanting to use public transportation? Medical problem? Perhaps she's scared for some reason.

[AksarbeN]

3 can go as easily as 4. Drop her from the trip. Public transportation is logical and more reasonable then renting a car and paying for parking. She may feel unsafe on public transportation but if you're in a group of 4 there shouldn't be a problem.

[Kerowyn]

where in the world would she park a car in NYC? I have been there and well... public transportation is the way. It scared the crap outof me to do it since I wasn't used to it and I had heard stories. Could "those" stories be a hidden reason or is it just her personality to go through the expense and aggrivation of car rental?
Tell her she can rent the car if she wants but the rest of the gang has chosen public transportation. She can drive everywhere and you all can meet up if that is what she really wants but you would rather she trust you and the others and travel together. basicly tell her I love you, you are my friend but you are a party pooper about this trip which is suppose to be light hearted and fun.
and BTW the "I don't want to" defense is a fear responce. I used it myself several times when I was asked to do things that were new and scary to me but I was ashamed to admit it. I have a friend who uses it when she doesn't want to get out of her box comfort zone. Appearently you are asking your friend to step well out of hers. Which you should do. But it won't be easy to get her out.

[Sweetie Pie]

I looove subways, & NYC & Chicago!!! Can I go????

[mr.man]

Let her rent the car and put it on her credit card. She can enjoy all the pleasures that having a car in a big city brings. Hmmm just think parking tickets, damage from kids playing, driving around the block for hrs looking for a space, broken glass radio gone, towing and boots, license suspension for not paying tickets ahhh the memories of city living.

[PA2UK]

I agree with some of the other suggestions: tell her the rest of you will be using public transporation and that she is welcome to rent a car on her own but if so, the rest of you will meet her at your destinations.

I wouldn't call her a party pooper - I'd just say it sounds like she thinks she is "above" public transportation.

[Twinkle Toes]

Tell her she's free to rent a car and meet you guys at your destinations. If she's late getting there because she gets stuck in traffic or can't find her way around, continue your trek without her. Oh well.