Does your partner drive you crazy??? How to avoid a Valentine's Day tiff in the car ...
In the run up to the most romantic day of the year, Direct Line Rescue has discovered what annoys us most about our partner's driving and is offering tips to help avoid a Valentine's Day tiff in the car.
The number one pet hate for women is their man going too fast, this is closely followed by him getting too close (to the car in front). Men, on the other hand, get up tight about their partner's hesitancy when it comes to making manoeuvres!
As a result, nearly one in five women drivers questioned in the MORI survey said their partner's performance in the car has often lead to arguments, although only one in ten men agreed.
Direct Line Rescue is offering drivers of both sexes a few simple tips to ensure they have a more romantic journey in the car this Valentine's Day. It recommends that if you are feeling stressed behind the wheel, you should pull over to the side of the road (in a safe place) and...
- TAKE DEEP BREATHS: Hold the steering wheel more lightly, breathing in deeply through the nose. Breathe out slowly through the mouth, relaxing your grip slightly as you do so. Repeat several times.
- LOOSEN UP: Stress can make the neck and shoulder muscles tense and knotted, which can lead to unwanted headaches. Relax your muscles by 'rocking' your head very gently from side to side. Raising and dropping your shoulders can also alleviate tension.
- MASSAGE THOSE MUSCLES: If there are two or more of you, why not give each other a quick shoulder massage? It can help relieve the tension on long journeys.
- GIVE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS: Play a favourite tape or CD - one that you know will put you in a good mood.
- OR, IF ALL ELSE FAILS: Pull into the nearest service station and buy some chocolates!
Technical details
Based on the survey conducted by MORI Financial Services on behalf of Direct Line in November 2001 of 2,003 interviews among adults aged 17 and over, who are Driving Licence holders and who have driven at least once in the last month. Further regional data available on request.
