Sharon Harvey Rosenberg shares a 'secret' in The Frugal Duchess. She doesn't drive. I swear, I dropped the book at that point. Here was a successful reporter (and we all know reporters travel constantly) and she doesn't drive.
You know what?
I don't drive either. Oh, I CAN drive. I have my license (as does Sharon). I simply don't. For a number of reasons but the main one being I'm a terrible driver. I don't pay attention. I get distracted by ads, people, gadgets. I'm dangerous (seriously) so I do the world a favor and don't drive.
I don't have to. I live in a major city with great public transportation. I have a high enough net worth to hire a driver or take a taxi if need be (hiring a driver is NOT as expensive as it sounds). I am married to an alpha male who would prefer to be the driver at all times. And I have a lot of friends who, especially if I pay for the costly gas, will drive me if I ask.
Sharon covers many of the tricks the car-less have learned but best of all, she covers the emotional issues of not driving. Namely… people think we're losers. You know… the pitying looks drivers give the people waiting at the bus stop. It isn't as bad in a big city, because who wants to pay for pricey parking downtown, but we still have to deal with snide comments at parties, etc. Yep, being car-less is pretty much an alternative lifestyle.
However, the lifestyle pays. The hubby and I have saved money only having one car. The best part though is that we're closer. We spend more time together as we drive together doing errands or commuting to work. We talk. We have the laughs. We share.
Well worth the pitying looks.