Parking Rights...

[one...two...tree 2,762]

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I were trying to park our car in a crowded downtown lot. The line of cars trying to get in wrapped around the block. Each car in line had to circle around until someone left because no parking spaces were available.

When we finally got to drive in, we drove to the only open spot. However, a woman had jumped out of a car that was still on the street and was standing in the spot to save it for her companion. My husband lowered the window and reminded her that because she did not have a vehicle, she was blocking traffic. She angrily told him that her car was "just around the corner" and threatened to call the cops if we didn't keep driving. My husband didn't raise his voice. He once again asked her to move because she had cut in line.

Finally, after she began to go into a tirade, we gave up and circled for another 10 minutes until another spot opened. Was my husband out of line for asking her to move? What would you have done in that situation? -- UNSURE OF THE RULES, BEASLEY, TEXAS

....

I actually would side with the woman holding the spot. People do this all the time - have somebody hold their spot when waiting in line.

Edited July 5, 2007 by Steven_and_Jinky

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

I think the woman was rude and immature. She should have left a little earlier if she needed to be ahead of everyone else. The people in the vehicle were there first, they'd done their share of waiting, the woman should have sat in her own car and waited. It makes me MAD when people think they should get special treatment, even if it is just a stinking parking place.

If I had been the man, I would have probably raised my voice. Hopefully the next person in line gave her an earful.

[Jenn! 918]

When I am standing in a parking spot for someone, that is ok. If someone is standing in a spot that I am trying to park in, that is not ok.

[Clarky and Tarah 0]

I actually would side with the woman holding the spot. People do this all the time - have somebody hold their spot when waiting in line.

Usually when someone has them hold their spot in line they've already been there and had to leave for some reason. I don't think it's right to have someone hold your spot when you're a mile down the road.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

this reminds me of the episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry has to park at the airport whilst trying to attend the baptism of Cheryl's sister's Jewish fiance.

[eric&gen 0]

I would have taken the parking spot anywho tell her to go fly a kite. lol So what if she called the cops she didn't have a car lol.

[Tinker 0]

I've never heard of a situation like that. I've sure never experienced anything similar.

I'd find somewhere else to park and walk. Forget driving around in circles!!

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I've never heard of a situation like that. I've sure never experienced anything similar.

I'd find somewhere else to park and walk. Forget driving around in circles!!

exactly. It reminds me of those people who block the lanes waiting for a close spot. The lazy bastards could probably use the exercise.

[sereia 0]

that kind of situation has been so rare in my lifetime that i would keep on driving and look for a new spot if i saw someone standing in a space on purpose. its not worth fighting over...although inside i would want to tell them to get out of the way! lol

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I actually would side with the woman holding the spot. People do this all the time - have somebody hold their spot when waiting in line.

Usually when someone has them hold their spot in line they've already been there and had to leave for some reason. I don't think it's right to have someone hold your spot when you're a mile down the road.

I had a similar situation. We have been driving up and down the aisles of parking spaces at a mall hoping to have the right timing when someone left. After missing out on several parking spots because of random chance, I decided to get out of the car and stand in an open spot while my girlfriend at the time would park the car. She was only an aisle away when I quickly stood in an open spot and waited for her. I waved off one car that was in front of her and the driver didn't argue. I was technically there first so I should get the space. It may seem crude but we were going to miss the show if we didn't park the car soon.

Edited July 5, 2007 by Steven_and_Jinky

[chri'stina 190]

I've never experienced anyone standing in parking spots to save them, though I don't think it sounds very right to do. The most annoying parking experiences I had were in college, having no where to park and having to stalk people walking to their cars so you can get their spot when they leave.

The story reminded me of something in Walmart recently. The lines were very long and I was with my mom, we each had our own carts and were behind each other. We were already waiting about 5 mins with a lady in front of us with a full cart(and there were carts in line in front of her and behind us), when she let her daughter cut in line and said she was "Saving" the spot for her. By the way, the daughter cut in with a huge cart of groceries too, not just like one thing. Me and my mom were very annoyed but didn't say anything. Sorry, if you daughter was still shopping and you were done, you don't just go and save a spot for them and let them cut everyone who was waiting. My mom said she wished she had some of her New York attitude left so that she could have said no cutting to the lady.

Edited July 5, 2007 by stina&suj

[sereia 0]

...in college, having no where to park and having to stalk people walking to their cars so you can get their spot when they leave.

ugh i used to haaaaaaaate having to do that!

[homesick_american 1]

I actually would side with the woman holding the spot. People do this all the time - have somebody hold their spot when waiting in line.

I wouldn't. First come WITH A CAR, first served. No holdsies; I hate that sh!t. I'd have just inched into the space slowly while she backed out of it.

[Ban Hammer 13,110]

I actually would side with the woman holding the spot. People do this all the time - have somebody hold their spot when waiting in line.

I wouldn't. First come WITH A CAR, first served. No holdsies; I hate that sh!t. I'd have just inched into the space slowly while she backed out of it.

see, there is a purpose for a SUV

[Jasman0717 9]

I hate people who crowd into lines, I would have ran over her