Coffee Break Confession: The Light Just Turned Green

’Tis the season.

I’m usually out during the week, running errands while a lot of people are at work. It’s typically just me, other stay-at-home moms, and plenty of retirees shuffling peacefully through town. No big rush. No tight schedule. Just daytime errands at a calm, weekday pace.

But as we get closer to the holidays, everything shifts. The stores are crowded. Parking lots feel like obstacle courses. And the roads? Whew. The roads get spicy.

Which leads me to today’s topic: traffic etiquette – specifically, honking.

I am not a horn person. I’ve probably used mine fewer than a dozen times since I got my license at sixteen. I don’t honk to “teach a lesson,” call out a mistake, or shame someone into paying attention. If an accident is avoided, great. Move on.

I even give people grace when a light turns green. I’ve been the distracted one – lost in thought, mid-conversation, or refereeing backseat chaos. I’ll wait a few beats before even considering a honk. Honestly? I’d almost (big emphasis on almost) rather sit through another red light than beep. It’s not weakness – honking just feels unnecessarily aggressive to me.

Last week, I was first at a red light. It turned green and before my foot even moved from brake to gas – HONK. Come on, buddy. Give me a second to transition. Let me make sure no one is blasting through that very-orange light.

And this morning, I was several cars back at another light. The intersection ahead was completely backed up. We physically couldn’t move. Still, someone in the line behind us honked. What exactly was the plan there? Where did they expect me to put the car – straight into thin air?

That’s what gets me about aggressive honking.
It’s not about driving.
It’s about how quickly we react.

Somewhere along the line, we all started rushing – our thoughts, our days, our expectations of each other.

The truth is: everyone is carrying something. The person in front of you might be sad, anxious, overwhelmed, or just having a moment. A two-second delay at a green light doesn’t need an angry honk; most of the time, it needs a little grace.

And in this season of joy and giving, it’s ironic that on our way to pick up something meant to spread cheer, we’re being very Scroogey behind the wheel.

Honestly, I wish cars came with different horn settings – one for “Hey friend, the light’s green,” another for “Whoa, you’re about to hit me,” and maybe one that says, “I’m mildly exasperated but still a decent human.” That would solve a lot.

Until then, I’ll keep choosing patience – on the road and in life – and offer grace when things don’t move as fast as I want them to.

Is it just me, or does aggressive, unnecessary honking frustrate anyone else?

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If you’ve ever thought, “Is it just me?” – you’re in the right place.
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