# Presumption at the Parking Lot **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 27, 2002, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722 "2002-08-27T02:46:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sundog66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@sundog66](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sundog66)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/1 "2002-08-27T02:46:14Z")
So I park in front of a department store and go in to buy some clothes and walk through the mall. An hour later I come out with two new pairs of shorts. At this point I’m planning to leave them in the car and then go on a walk for a few hours. I decide, however, to put on these new shorts before I walk, so I get back into the car to discreetly change, with no intention of driving off. Then I look to my left. There is a car waiting there for my parking spot. In a couple minutes they figure out that I’m either too slow or not leaving, and they drive off. But then another lady drives up and sits there waiting, FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES. And the parking situation wasn’t even that bad. JESUS CHIRST LADY, HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT THIS FUCKING PARKING SPACE? Are you so lazy that you have to park right in front of the store? You would think that after maybe 30 seconds she would leave. But she’s holding up a bunch of traffic behind her and little does she know I’m not even leaving at all. So should I holler out to her that I’m not leaving? HELL NO, IT’S HER STUPID ASS FAULT FOR SITTING THERE SO GODDAMN PRESUMPTUOUS LIKE THAT THINKING I’M GONNA LEAVE. THIS IS A FUCKING PARKING LOT, NOT A LEAVING LOT. Eventually the cars behind her went around and in time, she finally gave up and moved on. She might have thought I was some kind of slow, piddly moron but the fucking joke is on her…she was a stupid moron to sit there for 5 minutes when she didn’t even make sure I was planning to leave. ---
**Author:** ![belladonna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/2 "2002-08-27T03:06:07Z")
Dude, it takes you over five minutes to put on a pair of shorts? 😕 How many legs do you have? ---
**Author:** ![sundog66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@sundog66](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sundog66)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/3 "2002-08-27T03:14:56Z")
Wow, good point. To clarify, I was deliberately taking my time to show everyone I had no intention of leaving. First I slowly remove all the contents of my pockets and put them in their respective compartments (My Honda Accord comes equipped with at least like four compartments that I have counted so far.) These items include cell phone, wallet, keys, change. Then, it’s time to take the shorts out of the bag and remove all these tags from them. There’s one on the back pocket, another one here, another there… Now, for my belt… Well, you get the idea. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/4 "2002-08-27T13:37:09Z")
Ah yes, parking lot vultures. Unless the parking lot is at 100% capacity, I will slow down the second I see a parking lot vulture descend. I will make it so they would have saved time walking the extra 15 yards. And if they complain or, (insert favorite diety here) forbid, honk, I suddenly realize I needed something else in the store. Sorry, no spot for you. ---
**Author:** ![Athena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@Athena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Athena)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/5 "2002-08-27T13:57:47Z")
hehe, I had a situation like that last fall. I was walking from the grocery store to my car, and right away, some old lady in a minivan starts stalking me. I’m walking, she’s following me slooooowly. I get to my car, and take my time loading the groceries into the trunk. She’s stopped right behind me, waiting for me to pull out. She’s also managed to take up the entire lane, so that cars that come up behind her can’t go around. By the time I get my groceries into my trunk, still taking my time, there’s 2-3 cars behind her. She still waits. Note that a good half of the parking lot is empty, it’s not like spaces are at a premium. I was rather pissed at that point, and didn’t want her to get my spot. So I ‘remembered’ I needed something at the Target store that’s right next to the grocery store. I locked my car back up, and walked over to Target. Maybe she’ll think twice next time she’s looking for a parking spot. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/6 "2002-08-27T14:11:49Z")
I read somewhere someone did a fairly scientific study of parking, and if your goal is to get into the store as quickly as possible, then the best strategy is to go down the parking lane directly in front of the store’s entrance and park in the first spot you find, even if it’s kinda far. The time walking is usually less than the time waiting for someone to come out of a closer spot, plus less annoying to all conerned. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/7 "2002-08-27T14:21:42Z")
> [@](#): > > Are you so lazy that you have to park right in front of the store? Didn’t _you_ park right in front of the store??? You coulda just spared yourself the aggravation and waved her away. Not everyone presumes you’re sitting in a car changing your clothes fer chrissakes. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/8 "2002-08-27T14:47:29Z")
I think this is a case where people locking themselves in their cars with the windows up leads to unintended stress. It is entirely true that there is not only an “ominous” feeling associated with being followed through a lot by a stranger in a car, but you really don’t like them waiting there for you at all - as if they are goading you on to leave. What really breaks the tension, if you are a parking lot “vulture”, is to simply roll down your window, and ask: > [@](#): > > “Pardon me - but if you’re leaving, would you mind terribly if I (waited to park in/followed you to) your parking spot?” To which one should respond: > [@](#): > > “Oh dear me, I’m sorry. I was just returning to put something in it.” And then the “vulture” should say: > [@](#): > > “Ah, very good, terribly sorry to bother you. Thanks!” And drive on. But that would require people communicating with each other politely, so it would never work…in reality, it would be: > [@](#): > > “Yo! You fucking skank ho! Get your skinny old cracker skank ass in your fucking yupmobile and outta my fucking way!” to which one would respond: > [@](#): > > “You little shit! I’ve killed people for less than that! Fucking piece of shit gangsta boy - I’ve got bloodstains older than you! So take your fucking Neon and cram it with walnuts!” And then an exchange of gunfire ensues… On second thought, maybe it’s best to sit in the car with the windows rolled up… ---
**Author:** ![Beagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/85f322/32.png) [@Beagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beagle)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/9 "2002-08-27T18:06:30Z")
This solved all my parking problems forever and has a side benefit. Whenever I am by myself I park as far away as possible within reason and point my car at the exit. I always get away with no hassles, never deal with parking vultures, and I increase my ‘ambient exercise’ level. Yes, I made that up, I’m so proud. ---
**Author:** ![Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/96bed5/32.png) [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/10 "2002-08-27T18:29:48Z")
Observation: 100% of the time when I am forced to circumnavigate some vulture who is waiting for a close-up spot, I end up parking maybe 6 or 8 spaces further away. As I get out of my car and casually walk towards the store, a smug sense of superiority comes over me as I pass the vulture, still waiting for his/her space to open up. ---
**Author:** ![Myrnalene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c4cdca/32.png) [@Myrnalene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Myrnalene)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/11 "2002-08-27T21:58:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LolaCocaCola \* > **Didn’t _you_ park right in front of the store???** Presumably she didn’t stalk the spot’s previous owner for it. > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LolaCocaCola \* > **You coulda just spared yourself the aggravation and waved her away. Not everyone presumes you’re sitting in a car changing your clothes fer chrissakes.** They shouldn’t assume you’re going to bolt right out and save them the trouble of walking an extra five seconds either. They _definitely_ shouldn’t block traffic and inconvenience other folks out of their own laziness. What does it matter what someone does in their own car when there are plenty of other spots around? Just park somewhere else and get over it. ---
**Author:** ![sundog66](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@sundog66](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sundog66)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/12 "2002-08-27T22:41:19Z")
Yes, when I drove into the parking lot early in the morning, it was practically empty so it was easy for me to park right in front of the store. When this lady was stalking me, however, it was later in the day and the lot had fewer vacant spots. Also, I’m not a ‘she’, Mrynalene… ---
**Author:** ![Lisa\_Ann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bc79bd/32.png) [@Lisa\_Ann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lisa_Ann)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/13 "2002-08-27T23:20:06Z")
Hi, **sundog66**! I understand your situation - especially in this town where parking and parking lots are at a premium. I live on the Mesa and was at Lucky’s, before it turned into Albertson’s a few years ago, and was unloading a huge cart of groceries into the back of my little red truck. Some very impatient and rude man pulled up behind me and laid on his horn while screaming at me to hurry the F up. You can bet I took my time. What an ass. ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2002, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/14 "2002-08-27T23:59:30Z")
> [@](#): > > Wow, good point. To clarify, I was deliberately taking my time to show everyone I had no intention of leaving Holy crap, how is that supposed to show you’re not leaving? Next time unroll the window, wave the person on, and stop being such an asshole. ---
**Author:** ![pricciar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@pricciar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pricciar)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/15 "2002-08-28T00:56:59Z")
Neat! Two Santa Barbara people in one thread. I didn’t know there were any others. I cannot stand when people follow me around the parking lot. ESPECIALLY, when there is plenty of parking. Now, at Christmas time, sometimes you really need to follow someone around because a lot fills up. (But, I always ask the person if they are leaving, if I do need to follow.) But, any other time of year there is going to be a spot somewhere around. **Zette** : How does that show he is not leaving? Maybe the fact that the car isn’t running, and he has been sitting there for a few minutes. You have to be pretty thick to not get clued in. Plus. What if has power windows. He would have to start the car to roll down the windows. He can’t open the door, he has no pants on! Actually, now that I think about. I am thinking the person wasn’t waiting for a spot. They were just watching an innocent parking lot strip show. **Lisa Ann** : That mesa shopping center is always crowded. And, it seems like their parking spots are smaller, or maybe the cars are bigger. It always seems like work parking there. pat ---
**Author:** ![Some\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Some\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Some_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/16 "2002-08-28T02:06:59Z")
Errm, to the people who think that the OP “could have waved them on”: you’re forgetting something, namely that he doesn’t owe them jack shit. He doesn’t owe them his parking spot. He doesn’t owe them a quick departure. He doen’t owe them any sort of courtesy beyond not backing into them when he pulls out (and even this goes out the window if they’re hovering too close). If you think he owes them anything, **you are the fucking problem**. Get over yourselves. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/17 "2002-08-28T02:17:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Some Guy \* > \*\*Errm, to the people who think that the OP “could have waved them on”: you’re forgetting something, namely that he doesn’t owe them jack shit. He doesn’t owe them his parking spot. He doesn’t owe them a quick departure. He doen’t owe them any sort of courtesy beyond not backing into them when he pulls out (and even this goes out the window if they’re hovering too close). If you think he owes them anything, **you are the fucking problem**. Get over yourselves. \*\* I’m just gonna wave this post on by. _wave_ ---
**Author:** ![Albert\_Rose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de053/32.png) [@Albert\_Rose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Albert_Rose)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/18 "2002-08-28T02:34:33Z")
I’m bad. Whenever I park in a large lot, I always walk back to my car along a parallel lane (2 lanes over or so), and then cutting across at the last minute to my car. Should anyone follow me in an attempt to vulture my spot, they miss out when I change lanes. I’m very ashamed. ---
**Author:** ![LolaBaby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d2c977/32.png) [@LolaBaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaBaby)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/19 "2002-08-28T02:38:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Some Guy \* > \*\*Errm, to the people who think that the OP “could have waved them on”: you’re forgetting something, namely that he doesn’t owe them jack shit. He doesn’t owe them his parking spot. He doesn’t owe them a quick departure. He doen’t owe them any sort of courtesy beyond not backing into them when he pulls out (and even this goes out the window if they’re hovering too close). If you think he owes them anything, **you are the fucking problem**. Get over yourselves. \*\* Erm, yeah, he doesn’t owe them anything…but it _would_ be nice. I just park where ever, I usually get to the store before any parking vultures… When I am returning to my car to drop off stuff, if someone is lurking, I wave them on as soon as I see them. It’s just being courteous. Oh I forgot, I should just be an asshole 'cause I don’t owe them anything. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![im2evil4u](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b5ac83/32.png) [@im2evil4u](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/im2evil4u)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2002, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722/20 "2002-08-28T02:39:18Z")
Maybe the person is slightly incapable of walking a great distance. The doctors that examine the folks, who apply for handicap tags, at least in my part of town, are quite tough about whom they approve to issue a handicap permit. My mother can barely get out of the car without grunting in pain. Her arthritis is so bad she can’t walk more than 10 feet without having to stop and rest. Yet she can’t seem to obtain a permit. We both get severely pissed when we see some young buxom blonde get out of her car while parked in a handicap spot. Fine, the tags and her nearly-ambulatory grandmother are clearly visible, but why take the spot if grandma is sitting pretty in the air conditioning while you run an errand? Now I am in no way condoning the rude obnoxious behavior of those who cannot wait 5 minutes for you to load your packages and begin honking. Yet frankly in your particular case I find it selfish that you intended to “take a walk for a few hours” and leave your car in spot that could have accommodated someone in need. There is no way you can accurately observe the severity of an individual’s physical challenge from a rear view mirror. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it Thank you [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presumption-at-the-parking-lot/125722.md?page=2)