We all have experienced it. You decide to go to the Library to further your studies, go get groceries, or replace that glass that got knocked over the other night. As you pull into the parking lot, you realize it is full. It has begun. These are the seven stages of thought you will go through as you circle the never-ending maze of cars.
Disbelief
You can’t believe it, you thought you left at a decent time in the day where so many people wouldn’t be out. You planned, you ate dinner at the right time as to beat the rush. Yet, somehow you ended up in a full parking lot with nowhere to go
Denial
No, these can’t be the only spaces. There has to be another smaller parking lot right? Maybe it’s on the side of the building. Their can’t be that many people inside, its only 5 p.m. people are just getting out of work, how are there this many unemployed people all coming here at one?
Bargaining
Maybe I can go over to the next parking lot. You know, the one for the convenience store? Maybe a walk will be good for me. Yet then again, that’s why I drove and didn’t walk. But, its only a block rather than 10 minutes, I can settle for that if I can’t find a space. Can I pay someone to leave? Can I walk in like "whoever owns the red sedan has to leave"?
Guilt
I should have left earlier. All these other people are here for the same reason as me, and I’m acting like I deserve a spot. Wow, I am just a horrible person. Why do I think I am entitled to a spot because I “thought” it was a good time to get here. Obviously I need to make a better schedule so I am not disappointing myself.
Anger
Wait a minute. These people are here for the same reason as me. This means that someone has to leave soon! Why are they taking so long! I have been circling this parking lot for a solid 5 minutes now. Did they all go in at the same time so they all won’t leave until the same time?! I’m so over this.
Depression
This is just the absolute worst day ever. Why is it me? Why is it always me? Why can’t I be the one in a parking spot? I’m just so disappointed that I drove 7 minutes to find a full parking lot. It’s so cloudy, like my mood. The word just wants me to be sad today.
Acceptance
Well, it’s just meant to be then, the world doesn’t want me to get a parking spot here. Maybe its gloomy inside, or I’ll find somewhere else to go that’s better. Hmm, I’m kind of hungry, maybe I’ll go get something to eat instead.
*Leaves parking lot only to see someone pull out of a spot*
Are you kidding me?
*Story inspired by my friend Hannah as we couldn’t find parking at the library
