Something interesting that was just recognised between Evie and myself, is that we both become more open and willing to talk emotionally when in a car, either driving or as a passenger. Myself, usually as a passenger because I am relaxed, watching the world go by so to speak.

What about you?

When I'm driving, it's much easier for me to speak about what's bothering me, open up, etc. I know that one of the reasons is that I don't have to look someone in the eye to do it. Kind of like that it's easier for me to talk to my husband about what's bothering me when we've gone to bed and the lights are out.

Another reason is that when you're in a car with someone, it becomes it's own insulated world. Sometimes it's much easier to talk when the world it locked out.

Lisa

WOW you raise a very interesting distinction there Lisa... the bed and lights out, driving, no eye contact. I must say, you just connected the dots for me. I work constantly on being open with eye contact, but I certainly do find it easier laying down in bed, or as a passenger, maybe because the driver can't look at me during conversation. Interesting...

Evie will need to speak for herself once she returns of course, however I believe for her it is most likely also the eye contact. She is better at speaking in bed as well, she stares at the ceiling. Thank you for sharing, that was enlightening for me also. I was curious of the reason!

I was thinking about this just the other day! Too funny.

I'm much better as the passenger. Driving takes too much of my focus and I get snappy, so I tend not to talk, but as a passenger, I open right up!

I think it's more than just the eye contact though. I think it also, my back is covered and the other person is occupied, hence I feel safer. Even if the other person freaked out, hehe I'd still have time to get away!

I love going for rides and just talking. I like to stare out the window and watch the world pass me by. Ryan and I have gotten rather close from doing this, as this is our favorite pass time! lol

bec

Me to bec... I concentrate when driving, not chat away. I put it down to why I have never personally had an accident driving, with near 20 years on the road, no car accident as yet, either being hit or hitting another, because my eyes constantly scan for possible accidents, and when I have been involved within them, I escaped damage via quick thinking and driving. I somehow doubt I would have done that if chatting away and distracted.

I chose No, not either, bc I'm open and honest in a car as driver or passenger and likewise most anyone else.

I like to particpate in conversations, listen, be heard, and engage in eye contact. Eye-contact, especially, when I am listening is pretty important to me, which makes it sometimes uncomfortable for others, when I am the driver. I'm getting better at focusing on the road while listening and not on others eyes. However I haven't had any accidents in nearly 20yrs. And, I notice that I'm generally always very aware of my surroundings; While driving I respond very quickly if the need arises.

Have always been more apt to speak openly in the car, though I do not have PTSD. Answered yes to both, driving and passenger. However. Should qualify that. Reckon most here are city people. In the city whilst driving I am less talkative, need to concentrate obviously. But most of my driving is in the country, where we live. Thus more relaxed.

Must say though, I find talking easier in general, whilst my hands are busy with other activities. Driving is only one such activity. While doing carpentry, renovating, fishing, gardening and so on, I feel more free to talk.

Jim.

I put yes for both because I have been in the past. Some of the best conversations and silliness can take place in the car.

In past relationships when things were "bad" there was a time when there was a lot of heated discussions in the car, and for some reason when I really lashed out. I think it was because I had been going somewhere (moving forward) with that person when we (as a couple) were stuck. I found it triggering and got angry and well, "had a go at him." - almost anytime we were in the car.

I never really considered using the car as a place to talk about my PTSD with my husband. I don't know if I would now because it would in fact help to get some things out but I wouldn't be getting it all out because I am not sharing a connection - its avoidance. If he doesn't see my face or look into my eyes when I say whatever it is I feel I need to share - then I am not really sharing. It might be a trust issue because by being in the car I'm giving him an excuse to avoid my eyes or be distracted - so he doesn't have to be fully there. If I am driving and talking then I don't have to give him the chance and risk the disappointment and hurt it will bring to see that he isn't fully present to what I am saying.

There have been other topics we've discussed in the car and this tactic didn't work, I got terrified with the driving because he kept looking at me when he was talking because it was serious and he wanted me to know exactly what he was saying. Eventually I just screamed, "Look at the roooooad."


So I guess I use my car time now with him as means to relax and just have a positive conversation, play games (like the ABC game), or dance funny at stoplights to see who will look over at us.

Funny that some here are more relaxed as the passenger. I’m much more relaxed (and open for conversation) as the driver. As the passenger, I look out the windshield and see, in my mind, all of the possible things that could go wrong. I’m in no mood to chat. I usually read or try to sleep while we’re on the road. I think it’s because as the driver I know that I’m in control of the car and as the passenger I’m just along for the ride.

Lisa