this post was submitted on 27 Oct 2024
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Showerthoughts
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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.
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My mom was just saying 2 days ago as we walked down our street, she doesn't understand why so many people come home in the evening and just sit in their cars. Like, you're home. Go in your home. We could come up with plenty of scenarios for people to do it once in a while, but for so many it's like a ritual.
Sometimes going inside is just as -if not more- stressful than work or wherever they spent their day. Going inside could mean dealing with family conflict, chores, etc, so that time in the car might be one of very few times they get to truly relax with no obligations/expectations
Exactly this. If you commute by car, this is likely the first time in 9+ hours that you're not expected to perform for someone. Navigate traffic, do your job, navigate traffic. Some people can decompress and turn off in public transportation, but not everyone - and anyone driving from the station is probably navigating a shitty traffic pattern at the hub, adding to the stress of a short drive.
Me, I did it for all that plus feeling listless and like there's no value in actually going inside. I'm gonna go to my chair and sit on my phone. So why do the walk? Why pass my parents and give some undetailed recount of my day at work? Why deal with a dog happy to see me again today and have to put mental resources into reciprocating when I don't feel like it? Why see if my girlfriend wants to get dinner (and pick where) when I know it's going to be 20 minutes of "I don't know"? There can be so much stress with going into your home that for a few more minutes, everyone will assume you're still driving but you can just clam up by yourself.
When you get home from work, sometimes it’s nice to decompress for a few minutes before going in to start on chores/dinner/whatever. Especially if you have roommates or children that will immediately require your attention when you go inside.
Not a ritual but I've occasionally arrived home in the middle of an NPR story or a piece of music 🎶 that I've let finish before going inside.
There is even a term for it, Driveway moments.
Yes. The key is to turn off the motor, and get out before you start to worry about the battery.