Should I grow up or is this acceptable?

Question

When I was a teenager my boy friend got me into driving around during snow storms finding places like parking lots to spin out. I'm now a 37 year old mother of two, and even though I am only an ocassional smoker, on a snowy night, I get a pack, put on my boots, and head out with my mustang looking for a place to have a little fun like I did when I was 17. Well last week I got stuck pretty good and ruined one of my tires. This caused my husband to tell me that this wasn't normal behavior and that I should grow up. I find this as a sort of release that I enjoy. Should I listen to him or should I grow up. I might not like some of the answers but I am intersted in some opions.

Answer 1

It's dangerous, and irresponsible. He's probably upset because you damaged the car which is inconvenient, but also because there's a good change you could get hurt. You have a family to take care of, and that means keeping yourself safe. I would suggest that you try to find a different release. It might not feel dangerous while you're doing it, but I process insurance claims for things like this and very bad things can happen. Please be careful.

Answer 2

I'm torn....as long as you don't put anyone else in danger and don't damage the car or anything else, what is the harm? Ruining a tire? That can really happen anywhere, your husband is probably upset because you "caused" it. I've ruined many a tire, just driving down the road, minding my own business and then "wham"...run over something I didn't see until it was too late.
It probably isn't "normal" behavior for a 37 year old mother of two. What is "normal"? Is there a book that has a list of "normal" behavior for each age group? I'm sure I wouldn't fit the "normal" criteria for a 39 year old woman.
Maybe he'd go with you one night, get a babysitter and go let loose!

Answer 3

Quite a few people here seem to think you are endangering your life by doing this. When people learn to drive (regardless of road condition), they usually go to parking lots. Why? Safety. In the end, you're taking an activity that has some dangers and performing it in the safest way possible. It has nothing to do with 'growing up'. Growing up and being an 'adult' is a lie told to us to censor our behavior. Have fun, be safe and have fun. Oh and bring him along next time and let him drive for a minute. I think he's just jealous.

Answer 4

Everybody needs a little 'wild thing' in their lives. Your method is no better or worse than other people's choices.
I don't hear you saying that your husband complained about your 'not normal' behavior before the tire got ruined.
By all means, don't 'grow' up! Don't give up your youthful exuberance.
Rather than 'giving up' this behavior, you may find some others to add to it. Take up bouldering, rock climbing, anything that gives your life a sense of adventure and thrill. See if you can involve him and share the fun.
One of my favorites are the annual fairs. I know of no better thrill than ride the wildest rides, and I'm 53.
Ask him if he'd rather you deny your youthfulness and settle into the couch and grow a nice huge butt.

Answer 5

The only way that I can see that he put up with your antics all this time is that HE must have been one of your companions that did that with you long ago. Otherwise he would have booted you right out the door first time you did that . Mother of two and then you endanger your life by doing THAT . What if you turn the car over and get killed. Of course it's not normal. What took him so long to step up and tell you . I cannot for the life of me understand that nobody ever caught you doing that and slapped you with a stiff fine . What do you do the rest of the year for a sort of release and enjoyment when there is no snow ?
I don't care if you don't want to grow up and be sensible, but at least don't endanger your life until your kids are grown .

Answer 6

Oh, please don't grow up!!! I'm really serious about it. So, you ruined a tire and got stuck. Nobody was harmed.

I am 50, a father of three and a grandfather. I still roller skate, play with remote controlled cars and in general have a good old time. Keep smiling, keep enjoying yourself and have fun. You aren't hurting anybody and you are keeping your attitude young. You'll live a longer, fuller life this way and maybe be able to share it with your kids.

Answer 7

You can do whatever you want, as long as you tell yourself, "I'll be a bit more careful next time on the obstacle." Hell, I envy you; I'm 15 and already I'm sheltered... :( It's only a good thing that I am not GROSSLY overweight...) And as for your husband, screw him. It's your decision and besides, I bet he does stuff like this all the time. If he's the opposite, then well, that's just how he is, it's nothing personal.

But do be careful; our actions are our own, but the consequences come with it.

However, who the hell said you needed to die in your bed? ;)

Answer 8

Not normal? Normal is just a setting on a washing machine.

Well, it's not a good idea. You're a mother after all, and first off, what would come of it if something were to happen to you? Secondly, what kind of example is this setting for your kids? If this is kind of a release for you, just lets you have a little fun, I would say don't waste gas, take the keys out of the ignition, and take up drums. It works for me. Who doesn't want to bang around on stuff and make a lot of noise? Plus, you'll gain a new skill of a musical instrument.


NEVER stop being a kid, but don't hurt yourself in the process.

Answer 9

I might consider putting the brakes(pardon the pun) on the spinning out of the car, purely for safety reasons. You could end up crashing into something(like another vehicle) or damaging your own(as with that ruined tire). But that is not to say that you can't have fun in other ways. Try going for a hot fudge sundae, for instance, or going out to lunch with the gal friends.

Answer 10

I think you're looking for a thrill. I started going to driving schools back in 2000. I treat myself every year to a driving school. Last year I did the Richard Petty School at Atlanta. Driving solo at 140 mph is a blast and it's safe. Tell your husband you're sorry. Then go skydiving.