8 Emotional Stages Of Buying Your First Car
Start writing a post
Entertainment

8 Emotional Stages Of Buying Your First Car

Freedom of the open road doesn't come cheap

2699
8 Emotional Stages Of Buying Your First Car

Over the course of this past month I went through a major process: a step towards freedom and a step towards adulthood. What is this monumental accomplishment you may ask? None other than buying my first car. Unlike some, I did not have the opportunity to be gifted a car, so it took time to raise the money. Also unlike some, I may or may not have taken way too long to get my license, getting it well past my 16th birthday. Nonetheless, an achievement is an achievement, and like most big expenses this was a long process with emotional twists and turns, so without further adieu here are the eight stages of buying a car.

1. Naive excitement.

Oh, the initial stage was unfettered bliss -- for about a day. When I got a text from my brother asking if I'd like to buy his car, I was so excited that without hesitation I said yes. Shoutout to my brother, Jake, for being the real MVP and making this happen. This naive happiness allowed me to forget about all the other costs and processes that it takes to attain a car, but for a while, I was thrilled.

2. Harsh reality leads to despair.

Not soon after the initial excitement came the realization that along with the costs of buying the car, I would also need to pay for car insurance, gas, inspection, and any other possible problems that may arise while owning my own vehicle. With the unknown variability of all of these things, I became distraught and may or may not have had a couple break-downs along the way fearing that building costs would make it a no-go.

3. "Maybe I Can't do this" sadness.

After the despair came the melancholy sadness. After exploring too many expensive car insurance options, I began to assume that buying the car wasn't going to be possible after all. Did I wallow in self pity? Yes, Yes I did. I cursed myself for overspending and not saving up when I first started working at sixteen as well as assumed I would be stuck with only my parents for transportation all summer (cue sad sighing).

4. Newfound persistence.

But, eventually, I pulled myself up, dusted myself off, and began to explore more options. Eventually with my parents' help (shout out to them), I was able to start to figure out solutions to overcome some of the struggles of attaining the car. With a new attitude, I became persistent and driven (ba dum tis).

5. The feeling of accomplishment.

After quite some time (and stress) it finally happened. The car was mine, the payments were made, and I had acquired the freedom I had been hoping for. There is no better feeling than being able to make your first big purchase as an adult. Even though it is stressful and expenses aren't fun, it is the achievement, that you were capable, that brings happiness.

6. Newfound freedom.

With my sunroof open and the wind in my hair, I felt the freedom of the open road. When my friends want to hang out, it is no longer an ordeal to borrow the family car or get a ride. I can go where I want, when I want.

7. Realization of responsibility.

I did not forget, however, that with owning a car comes great responsibility. I cannot be reckless as I could endanger my life and others. I still have to pay for gas, insurance, and inspections, but it is something that I take full responsibility for.

8. Content happiness.

Now, with all of the stress and angst that came with making the initial purchase gone, I am content with Gilbert (my car), and feel grateful and happy each day that I drive him to work, or out and about.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45446
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28754
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953275
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160162
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments