A new perspective on parking
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
April 8, 2016 4:52pm CST
When I drive up to places, I used to be obsessed with finding the best parking spot. Usually, the closest to the entrance of whatever building I was going to. I would normally circle around the lot a couple of times, just to figure out which among the available spots are the best and closest options. And I would feel good if I can park only a few steps from the door.
Nowadays, as I embark on this journey of trying to be healthy, I actually prefer to park as far away from the door now. I now appreciate the extra steps, plus the comfort of space at spots farther away. As opposed to the ones closest to the door were all the cars seemed to be jam-packed!
What is your parking preference? Do you park as close to the building entrance as possible?
Or do you have a brand new car that you’d prefer to park far and in open space so as to prevent accidental nicks from doors of other cars beside you?
5 people like this
11 responses
@maezee (41997)
• United States
8 Apr 16
I hadnt even thought of that last part! Whenever I go to Walmart or another big grocery store I have to park in the very back. This is me being annoyed by traffic and those folks who idle and block lanes waiting for someone to load up their purchases and drive out. Drives me nuts! Rant over. Glad you are getting that little extra exercise when you can!
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
8 Apr 16
I think that's the one thing that other drivers compensate for. Since they didn't get the closest parking spot, they instead idle in front of the store. Even if the person they are waiting for is nowhere near done shopping or paying for their items.
It always seem to happen in front of a Wal-Mart!
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
10 Apr 16
It honestly depends on the day and how I'm feeling. I personally don't drive, but my boyfriend does or when I'm with family or friends, it comes down to what they want, but sometimes I get input. If the weather is bad, which with living where I live the weather is often unpredictable, it's better to close to the entrance, I don't want to walk through the snow or on ice, or if it's cold I just want to get warm. If it's nice out and I'm feeling good I don't mind the walk. I love walking when I'm not in pain, I have some foot and knee issues, so sometimes walking is painful.
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
10 Apr 16
@bounce58 I personally love the rain, but I hate being wet, I only walk in it when I know I can be dry right after, so I really don't want to walk around the store soaking wet. I'm not entirely unhealthy and on days where I'm not in pain I love to walk and could walk for miles. Even when I'm in pain though I prefer to walk around the store. I know some people get the electric carts, my boyfriend has to after being on his feet all day with having foot and back issues, by the time he gets home some day she can barely walk, so while I'm in pain, I prefer to leave the electric carts for people even more worse off than I am, but even still it was a good question. Even those with physical limitations don't mind the occasional walk from time to time even if they are in pain, and some people don't let the weather bother them either.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
11 Apr 16
@sissy15
When I read that you love the rain, I quickly checked where you are at. I'm here in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains most of the time. People here could get dragged by the weather. I'd like to think I don't, but sometimes, when it rains day in, and day out, it could get to you.
What I personally don't like getting wet in the rain is getting the inside of the shoes wet as you try to jump over puddles. I hate the squishy feeling. If I know I could avoid those, then I'd park close too!
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
10 Apr 16
From responses here I've realized that I should have put two qualifiers in this discussion.
One, is that the weather should be great. I live in a place where it rains often (and I don't like carrying umbrellas), so I do like to be close when it's raining.
Second is that when people do have physical limitations, they should park close. But for people like me who's trying to be healthy, should park far. To make parking spots available to people who need it more.
@much2say (53895)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Apr 16
It all depends. I have a bigger car now than I had a couple years ago, so I tend to park where the crowds aren't . . . yah, I don't want the nicks and dings (and getting myself in a spot where it's too hard to get into the car!). During the hot days I look for shade, or at least a place that doesn't fact the sun too much. If it rains (which is rare), I like to be in open air - away from being under messy trees. But if I find that one spot right up front, you bet I'm gonna try to get it! 
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
8 Apr 16
Haha!
You're like George Constanza and his view of finding the best spot!
Lucky you that it doesn't rain as much there.
I just remembered! I think I had a discussion posted here years ago about parking closest to the door because I don't like getting wet when it's raining as I run from the car to the door (or something like this!)
Forgetting about similar discussions: another sign of getting old! 
Lucky you that it doesn't rain as much there.
I just remembered! I think I had a discussion posted here years ago about parking closest to the door because I don't like getting wet when it's raining as I run from the car to the door (or something like this!)
Forgetting about similar discussions: another sign of getting old! 1 person likes this
@much2say (53895)
• Los Angeles, California
9 Apr 16
@bounce58 Oh my gah, I totally forgot about that (yes, I know all too well about forgetting lately too) - George! I like to avoid paying for parking whenever possible like him - and I sure don't yap away when I'm trying to parallel park - I need to focus!
We need the rain - the drought is only getting worse - so we're not so lucky. I need it so it can wash my car! 
1 person likes this
@just4him (305417)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Apr 16
I have trouble walking long distances, so I park as close to the door as I can. It's not always very close, so I do get in some walking now and then.
@shaggin (71655)
• United States
9 Apr 16
My father will drive around until he finds a good close parking spot. I have such a bad memory that if I do not park down the aisle directly in front of the doors to the entrance then I cannot find my vehicle. It doesn't matter how far down the lot I have to park as long as I am directly down that row that is all I care.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
10 Apr 16
I make it a habit to take a mental note of the numbers I see around where I park. It could get could get confusing if I didb't when I go to buildings with muti-level parking.
That may be a good idea though. I could be as far as I could, as long as it's on the direct row. I've forgotten floor levels once or twice before. The direct row would make it easy to remember.
@yukimori (10142)
• United States
8 Apr 16
I used to not mind walking across parking lots, but I have fibromyalgia and some days it's hard to accurately gauge my energy levels. Lately, I've been consciously choosing spaces closer to where I'm going simply because it lets me conserve energy I'd rather use for other tasks like playing with the kids.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
8 Apr 16
Hi @yukimori !
I understand it for people with certain physical limitations that they should park close by.
Not for the rest of us though who are healthy, or at least trying to be healthy.
Do you carry a handicapped tag for the car? So you can avail of the handicapped spaces?
1 person likes this
@Morleyhunt (21737)
• Canada
8 Apr 16
Most of the time I am ferrying my father, so I qualify for a handicapped parking spot. When I am by myself, I park a good distance from the door. I'm not afraid to walk a few steps.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
8 Apr 16
Oh I should have tought of that!
If you go to places where there might be certain bad elements around, specially at night, then definitely you should park close.
But mostly in big stores the parking area are well lit, and considerably "safe", so I am also not afraid to take the extra steps!
