Why do people leave their car doors open in parking lots?

Question

I know this sounds like a complaint, but really, I've seen it so much that I just want a sensible explanation.

I live in So. Cal. Increasingly, I've been seeing people sitting in their parked cars (in parking lots) with one or more doors wide open. Usually, there are no cars parked next to them, and it seems as if they're trying to discourage other people from parking next to them. It seems odd to me that somebody would sit in his or her car solely to prevent somebody else from parking next to them, but I have noticed something about human nature, and that's the desire to deny space to others. So that's my best theory. Someobdy once suggested that it was because of hot weather, but it's February, and I still see it all over the place.

This morning, outside of Starbucks, a woman left her SUV unattended with both the driver and passenger side doors open. It wasn't as if she forgot to close them, either, because I saw her looking out the window periodically to check. Any Ideas?

Answer 1

so no one can park next to them.

Answer 2

I've got this friend who will park on the very edges of a parking lot to avoid people who will swing their doors into her car, leaving dents behind. This might be what these people are doing, thinking they're saving their car from dents. Or maybe they're smoking, being that smoking has been banned in so many places. I'm sure even a smoker doesn't want to sit in their car, with the doors closed, breathing in their own second hand smoke. Or it could be what you suggested, or even a combination of all of the above. Maybe ask someone, next time you see it happen. Hopefully, they won't think you're rude, and poke you in the nose! Hey, maybe they're airing out their cars because they had cabbage for lunch! <*)))><

Answer 3

OK in the case of the woman with SUV I will get off my car and simply close the door, that is blocking where I am going to park, And she cant do anything about it.
In the other case were people are inside their cars, if there are more spaces available, just go and park there, but if they are not, kindly ask them if they can close the door so you can park your car.

Answer 4

I used to do that in high school because I drove my parents' big station wagon with wood paneling on the side. I was embarassed by the car so sometimes I left the doors open hoping that it would get stolen. Yes, I was an ungrateful typical teenager.

Answer 5

When they are in the car with doors open I think it is a need to isolate themselves from others so I agree with you that basically their mind set is to deny space to others.
As to the Starbucks incident, I assume it was an isolated one, and difficult to explain. Hard to say what she was thinking.

Answer 6

I swear I would steal their car or just run the door over! Drive through their door and they will learn their lesson! I know how you feel!

Answer 7

alot of people do not care if they scartch or nick peoples cars, also shoping carts that roll away.

Answer 8

I guess that they want to have thier car stolen

Answer 9

Because they are inconsiderate and only care about themselves.

Answer 10

Nothing a tossed lit cigarette won't fix.