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Green Light Anxiety Disorder (1)
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May 19, 2006
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Whenever I approach a green light while driving, my heart starts beating faster and harder. I'm usually going around 50mph, and the fact that the light is green means it could change any second. But I really hate using my brakes when I don't need to, so I maintain constant speed as I approach and go through a green light. The problem is that there's a "minimum braking distance" as I'm approaching the green light. In other words, once I cross a certain line on the road, my car can't possibly stop if the light turns yellow. It's like the point of no return. If the light turns yellow before this line, I can easily slow down and stop while the light turns red. But if it's green and I pass this line, I can't slow down or stop. In fact, I usually accelerate. So right around that minimum braking distance, my heart races and I become super-aware of my surroundings. I know who's behind me. I know where cops would hide. I know what color underwear I'm wearing. These few seconds of hyperactivity have been aptly titled (by me) Green Light Anxiety Disorder. It has an official name because it happens at literally every single traffic light I've ever passed through in the entire history of my strange little life. You'd think I'd get used to it or figure out how to turn it off completely. But no. I struggle with this disorder day in and day it, hoping someday that a miracle cure will be found. #travel
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