Apparently walking to the store makes me a freak

michelleepotter

OK, I do live in a very car-oriented area (suburbs of Houston), but I think it's silly to drive places if it's convenient to walk. Apparently, other people find this insane.

For example, I sometimes go to a church that is right by my house. As in, the church property starts right behind my catty-corner neighbor's house. It would actually take longer to get in the car and drive out of the neighborhood and around to the church than it takes to walk over there. But for a long time, at least one person would offer to drive me home every single week. Some people were weirdly insistent about it, like they thought I was somehow endangering myself or my kids by walking. I still get odd looks when we come walking up from behind the church instead of coming from the parking lot.

Other times, when I walk up to the little shopping center that is right outside my neighborhood, people act so surprised when they find out I walked! (It's only like half a mile!) A few times people have stopped their cars to ask if I'm ok and if I need a ride. Which I guess is sweet, but why would you think someone in running shorts and tennis shoes was in trouble just because she was walking down the side of the road?

Superchikanthem

I get that to. Now things are not quite that close where I live. Closer to about 2+ miles but still it's not that far to walk and it's nice to get the fresh air! I do however get a ride when it's a big shop or if I'm buying meat and milk.

FITIsTheNewPINK

I have the same problem, except with jogging. Apparently it's a rare concept where I live. However I do feel obligated to recommend that you carry pepper spray or a taser - you can never be too safe.

fannyfrost

My town is a little more of a walking town, but I used to walk my daughter to Hebrew school and people would always offer us rides. Other times I walk places because it would take longer to find parking than walking there. Still people are surprised. No wonder this country is getting larger