My first time behind the wheel of a car with a manual transmission was scary. Here I was, in charge of the shifting mechanism of the two-ton machine known as my best friend's car. She had just given me the rundown of when and how to shift to a higher gear, press the clutch, and ease off the clutch while easing onto the gas pedal. One badly-timed maneuver and it was all over -- the engine stalled, resulting in a shuddering halt on behalf of the vehicle and a wave of embarrassment and frustration on my own behalf. "Keep trying," she urged, "it gets easier once you get used to it. You'll see!" Boy, did I see. I LOVED IT. Here're ten things someone who loves driving "stick" would definitely understand.

1. The satisfaction of shifting smoothly into reverse or first gear.

2. Driving much too slow for a higher gear in order to save gas.

3. Even after parking an automatic car, you still pull the parking brake (what's an emergency brake?).

4. Driving someone else's manual car for the first time is like trying to have a smooth conversation with someone you barely know.

5. The feeling of accomplishment when you accelerate uphill without rolling backward first.

6. Similarly, going from reverse to forward in one smooth motion because the transmission can handle it (*cough* because automatic can't *cough*).

7. The occasional purposeful peel-out.

8. The occasional accidental peel-out.

9. Replacing the stock shift knob with one of your choice.

10. You find paying attention to driving is easier because you're essential for the operation of the car.

It's just so much more fun than driving automatic (which is a glorified golf cart, in my opinion).