Let’s face it, most boys automatically like dump trucks, race cars and all things slimy. Girls will usually start LOVING pink or purple (or both) at around age 3. And men are hard-wired to do whatever it takes to avoid stopping to ask for driving directions. In fact, there’s probably nothing they like less than putting down the fold-out map, pulling into a gas station and politely asking the nice man behind the counter how to get back to the correct highway.

And you know that even in that rare instance when they do (heaven forbid!) stop to get some directions, they will most likely insist that the person they spoke to “has no idea what he’s talking about.” (Especially if it’s a she!)

So armed with the knowledge that this is just an irrefutable fact of life (like death and taxes), women have to get a little more proactive when it comes to saving the sanity (and patience) of everyone in the car and getting to the darn destination before the festivities are over!

Now, the key is that we want to do this peacefully. No threats or repeated suggestions to “let me drive”. No, we’re going the clever route this time. Just remember to never discuss this with your partner – that would dilute it’s potency. So, you’re driving along and just when you feel tempted to say “oh look, there’s that exit again”, bite your tongue and pull out a book or a magazine; or anything that will distract you for the next 5 to 10 minutes – you can even pretend to try to take a nap. After several minutes, start jiggling around like you really have to go to the bathroom and then say quickly “I’m sorry, but I really have to go to the bathroom – can you please pull into the next gas station?”

Now you wait. And while you wait you shake – you know the little bathroom jiggle kids do when they’ve waited too long to pee. When you get to the gas station, head straight to the rest room and wait again. Stay in there a loooooong time. If it’s not possible to do that because people are waiting (or if it’s just gross… It is a gas station after all), then come out of the restroom and ever so slowly, browse around the store for goodies. Take your time.

Now here’s the very important piece: wait till you guy is headed back to the car (after he has discreetly asked for directions of course, which you will notice), then approach the counter and ask for directions. Be sure to write them down because your fellow certainly didn’t if he asked before you. If he comes back in and tells you to hurry up and that he’s already gotten the directions he needs, just say “yep, I know – the cashier just told me that there was one more turn he forgot to mention.” Quickly finish up – and pay no attention to the cashier’s puzzled expression.

Now you probably have 2 different set of directions (yours being the right one) and you’re on your way!

Of course, as previously mentioned, your guy won’t remember this part of the trip and he will wax on about the route he took and how it was much faster/better/easier than the original directions he was given.

Try it out for yourself ladies and feel free to thank me later. Safe travels!

Guys are hell-bent to do whatever it takes to avoid stopping to ask for Driving Directions . We do however have an answer to this rather awful problem now on http://www.funandsafedriving.com/driving-directions.html