DRIVING MANUAL OF THE ADOLESCENT HIGHWAY (4 SANJANA)

Dear one,

Did you said you find it difficult to read signals of a guy trying to “hit on you” or “making a pass ? “I just trust everyone so much but feel so hurt when they prove to be otherwise”, you complained in your hurt simplicity.

Ah! You haven't received a lesson on drving along the adolesecnt highway yet, is it? Like so many others I guess, who may have been through some terrible accidents already .This can make your transition ( from the little girl to the big girl) all the more difficult. But hey cheer up! . Here's your driving manual .

I am certain you will make a quick progress in hereafter in the understanding of driving on a whole new avenue.Riding your little tricycle in the safety of your backyard and driving in the highway are two different things. The main one is of “speed” and “rules” I guess which you have to learn along the way , as you grow older. One thing for certain "there's no blaming anyone hereafter".You drive at your own peril.You have to take responsibility of YOUR ACTIONS and drive safe to avoid people “riding over you” or “pushing you away” from the track . In the eventuality of an accident ( be it your fault or someon else's) remember you have to bear the cost(consequences) of the damages you undergo . And you alone will be responsible of recovering from the loss thereafter.

If that sounds too cynical let me assure you that learning the rules is not difficult at all and has its own payoffs. When you eventually learn to drive well and get to know all the diversions and the checkpoints it is actually a glide… a wonderful exploration through miles and miles of unknown terrain. If you are well equipped to take care of yourself (with a map and a spare wheel and oodles of guts to make it on your own) you will not regret the adventure of growing up at all. After a while the twists and turns won’t surprise you a bit as you take charge of your life and sashay through ,with the composure of a connoisseur.

The sooner you learn the rules the better then…

1. RULE # 1 YOU CAN'T DRIVE BUMPER TO BUMPER AT 120 MILES AN HOUR

§ The adolescent highway can be particularly dangerous. Heady , exploring adolescents rarely have enough bearing to do go slow and do the right thing at the right time.There's is a terrible urge to know and discover everything and very little patience to think of the consequences. Therefore you simply can’t get too permissive with someone you just came to know the other day. It is always wise to maintain a reasonable distance, till you are certain where you are headed. In anycase never drive bumper to bumper with anyone. A little space can save you a lot agony attimes.

§ Similarly frequently look out for people who are trying to get too close to you. Understand the difference between “reserved” behavior and “permissive” behavior especially when you are meeting someone new. A driver who doesn’t know the rule of driving along the highway or the one who drives recklessly are both potentially dangerous for you.

§ You must have a ''Prove-to-me-that-you-aren't-dangerous'' attitude and drop your guard only after years of knowing a person. In real life dangerous men are the one who learn the art of appearing “not at all dangerous”. They simply act appropriately from the moment you meet them and for as long as you know them. They do not exude forced harmlessness either. Other than passage of time there is no way of knowing this variety. If you can’t discover him intuitively look at his track record.

2. RULE #2 Be at the RIGHT PLACE , at the RIGHT TIME with the RIGHT PERSON

In the adoloscent highway you can get directionally challenged if you don't learn the route and map before you embark on a journey ( i.e set a goal to move towards) . You may get lost in a dark alley or a maze for all you know. It can easily take you further and further from the right track if you are not careful. So till you learn the ropes follow clear signs . If you have to ask for directions you must look for a person you can trust to guide you . Don't depend on another directionally challenged person like you. Choose your friends carefully.
Don't get carried away and follow someone else ( peer pressure) without giving it some thought yourself. One way to avoid unforseen dangers is to be in the right place( a safe, known place) at the right time ( not after dark, not when no one is around) with the right person ( good friends you can trust).

3. RULE # 3 DRIVE IN YOUR LANE

Now this is very imporatnt. Cutting lanes is a serious offense, but as an adolescent driver you have no idea of lanes or what that means. Not only are your hands shaky your mind is numb from trying to get a hang of your new driving lesson. Relax and focus. Drive straight and follow your course of direction. That way you will travel smoothly without letting anyone come in your way and creating unnecessary bottle necks. Set yourself some boundaries that you will not let others cross and similarly respect another's boundary as much.

4. RULE # 4 GIVETHE RIGHT SIGNALS

Guess what would happen if you gave a right signal and decided to take a left turn by mistake or simply by choice ? Someone else will come and ram against you. So make sure you give the right signals to people around you. You don't want to be blamed for nothing later. If a small mistake creates a big dent , then it is really not worth it, is it? We often ignore this aspect of driving thinking it to be unimportant. But it is not. It is only when you learn to give the right signals that you learn to read signals too...so don't neglect this aspect.

5. RULE # 5 HEED THE ROAD SIGNS

Where would you be if there were no road signs? But frankly in your frenzy and freedom to drive at a high speed you may once in a while overlook a sign altogether and dash a dream. Be careful . Your parents , your teachers and your counsellors would be well aware of the developmental phases in your life and may warn you in advance. Don't ignore them as mere naggings. They hand you over the road signs that can save you from a disaster someday. pay heed to them

6. RULE # 6 DON'T CROSS THE SPEED LIMIT

The first euphoria of freedom can heighten your desire to drive at a reckless speed . You will be issued a speed ticket sooner or later,( the drug addict who had to go the the rehab centre).Opps! you don't want that. Remember slow and steady wins the game. Don't be in a rush to experience everything in life. Trust you God . He has many many wonderful moment gift wrapped for you only if you drive at a reasonale pace.