I'm in my 40's.  When going to a new place, I always get lost. For years, I've avoided driving places only an hour away. I depended on other people to take the wheel.  At my age, I should be independent.  I even got lost at the airport first couple times I went.  Takes a couple tries before I master it.  My husband stopped going places with me because I have my own car, which he's always provided.  He's busy, so I go solo, and stop at gas stations frequently for directions.  Most people are understanding, helpful.  One lady laughed because I didn't know where a local museum is, and I've lived here all my life, and she's from another state.  Any tips to help?
204245
My sister has this problem too!  It's pretty common - it's something to do with how a woman's mind comprehends spacial awareness (although why my friend, Gary, has this problem nobody knows).  Did you know that most women cannot learn to fly helicopters because of how their brain works?  It's just part of human nature - like how men act like they are dying if they catch a cold.\nTo be honest the only way to improve this is practice.  If you go out and make a mistake don't worry - it's all part opf learning!  Just try again until you improve.  By asking you are doing a sensible thing - like you said most people like to help.  \nIt might be worth stocking upon maps and planning routes before you start out on a journey.  \nIt might also be worthwhile just to go out on random circuitous journeys to get a feel for different kinds of roads and how they relate to maps and directions.\nAnd the most important point - DON'T WORRY  if you worry you will make more mistakes and will not learn as much as if you are happy and confident.\nYou can do it if you believe you can!
147184
It sure does...and especially with the price of gas these days. After a while it does get old. I used to drive 45 minutes to work and another 45 minutes back. So now I work in the area I live in and trust me, what a relief it is, especially to my wallet. I now drive 10 minutes to work and 10 minutes back home, depending on traffic. Having a job closer to home is worth it!!
518439
Never in a million years would I leave it wherever it was when I finished unloading it.  My father taught me better than that.  If it's a place where you have to put a quarter in to take a cart out, I find someone to give it to and I don't let them give me their quarter.  Otherwise I usually drop it in the buggy holder, and I'll take an abandoned one along with me if it's nearby.
326336
Practice is the only way. It is a skilled best learned by watching and during. The "tricks" all revolve around where to look and how to line things up. Go out and practice with someone that drives well like a parent or older friend.
180780
I'm 26 now but when I was 23 after college, I went to Europe by myself for 3 months on buddy passes and a little bit of money. I stayed in Hostels, was threaten by Columbians that they were going to slash my throat and throw me in the Rhine river (passes through Paris, France). Some of my stuff was also stolen at one point. And I almost did not have enough money to come home. But I met great people, went to about 30 different places, went to many bars, nightclubs, sites (Sistine Chapel... amazing!) I will never forget that experience. My only thing to you is be safe. I am a guy and had to watch my back alot. Have a blast but be careful. Take everything in because it will make you a better person.
21790
o my so many things.. u can start small drive home differently... look out and see something u havent before.... take a walk.... there r also tons of things 2 do that dont cost money... free museums... find a friend to do things with u... actually some of the best times i ever had was when i was dating my husband and we were broke and in college... we went fishing... explored caves.... walked.... kinda crazy but went to the park and played the list could go on and on... and if u do have a little money u can get cheap plane tickets like 100.00 round trip... and go someplace u havent been before... main thing is look around where u are and see something u havent before... u will be amazed... good luck
598691
no but i live near Illinois's it is about 1hour a way in Indiana. u mite be new to this so her is good advice give it time u will met people to talk to. and if not and u are a pro Ho cars wot i jest sad. have fun on the net
205270
I just have to get out of the house when I feel lonely, once you're out you can meet new people and most of the time I end up having a conversation with someone I don't know, even if I'll probably never speak to them again. I go out to a pub or cafe and sit at the bar or a table just watching the world go by. Sometimes I take a book and it's suprising how many people will come over and ask what I'm reading or say that they've already that and it's good.  I also like to take my rollerblades to the park or the seafront if it's nice out, although wish I could skate better. Or I go to the cinema, even if I'm on my own I love watching a great film and for a while you're not really on your own cos there are loads of people around and no one is talking so you're not the odd one out. If you're out enjoy yourself, and just do things that make you laugh or that you used to do as a kid, even when you're on your own cos people will see you laughing and chat. (Just not to look like a psycho, laughing at your own jokes! :)) If all else fails when I'm lonely I call my mum, she lives 12000 miles from me and it's great talking to her.
626209
That's half the adventure. Go get yourself a state county atlas / or map of PA. Read the key in the front, find the county you want to explore, and follow the two tracks. You'll never know where you might end up. In Fact, my hubby and i always go exploring. We know the whole area around our county. Plus we love camping up north on Lake Superior, and there are some awsome tracks up there. Don't worry about getting lost either, thats how you learn to find your way out there. Plus i have seen a lot of unbelivable scenery that i would never had seen, had i never been lost. Go have fun! Just remember to hold on to the "O' *hit bar!
31095
The first link is helpful to find stuff to do, or restaurants to go to, stuff like that.\n\nThe second one is the public transit system, which I always find helpful.  I know you're driving around, but in case you need a break from the car.  :)
334636
I live on the east coast and ride solo as well.  Women on wheels is a great network and may have a chapter or members in your area.  You can find them on the web.  They have organized local events, trips, and are a great network of women riders.
171939
i try to consolidate my errands, and i don't accelerate quickly anymore- it burns up to 1/3 more gas every hundred miles. on a job related level, i'm a server in a restaurant and i can definitely tell you where other people are cutting back!! tips are way below average.
285060
Hey I gave one of those old women a bad time.  \n\nI am writing from my hospital bed.  The Doctor says I should be out of traction in about 3 months.  Then we can do the reconstructive surgery.  All together I expect to be home in 8 or 9 months.  If I make it in less than 9 months I will be able to celebrate my 21St birthday at home.  Unfortunately the Doctor tells me my jaw will still be wired shut, but what the heck I am getting used to milkshakes.  BTW, it is not Kung-Fu, it is Louisville Slugger, and believe me I know.\n\nJust having some fun.  Actually I am a senior citizen and although I don't work at Wal-Mart I know three other seniors who do.  None of them need the money, they all work part time, it gives them a reason to keep living.  Personally my wife keeps me busy and I am considering doing some volunteer work at an local aviation museum.  Too many retired folks don't have a timeclock to punch anywhere.  Hence, they lay in bed and die...\n\nKEEP MOVING STAY YOUNG.
605259
Getting my drivers license. Before i did, everyone was having to take me places. I am thankful that i learn to drive. Now i can go when i want to, and don"t have to depend on others.
411852
well i know wat ur going threw my dad was the same way i was always scared....but wat i did was just leave! if u have a car....but leaving isnt always the answer in my case it was but maby in urs its diffrent.... i just needed my own space and time and i didnt have that at my dads soo i always left i would eather go shopping or just driving arond.... but u have a b/f that prolly cares a lot for u soo he is always good..... u can talk to him or jsut leave ur house and go w/ him well i hoped  i helped a lil..  =)\nLuV AlWaYs \nBrItTaNy
540143
Got it on the second try.\nTrick is, you have to drive like the people you HATE to be stuck behind on the road... 5mph below the speed limit, overly cautious when turning onto another street, basically drive like you were a 70 year old lady.
670355
I'm 25 now remember what it was like and believe me, it has not become easier! My A-levels and driving test left me in a state too and now I'm sitting a part time degree and there are constant assessments... As long as you did your best, you can do no more. Hope you get the results you want but its not the end of the world if you haven't! Don't stress!