Road Trips & Marriage: Lessons from 30 Years on the 5

Road Trip Reflections

A recent weekend trip from Los Angeles to Petaluma involved an unsurprising clash between my husband and Apple Maps. While navigating, he frequently argued with the app's directions, expressing disbelief in its suggestions.

Despite years of marriage, similar disputes are familiar to us. In the past, we would debate routes using traditional maps, each holding strong opinions about the best paths. While I can appreciate his reasoning, his current behavior reminds me of his earlier self when we would argue over Thomas Guide maps.

Our road trips often involve complaints about traffic, acknowledging that any journey over 10 miles will likely encounter delays. While my husband believes in the laws of science and prefers efficient routes, he exhibits a contrasting attitude behind the wheel, viewing other drivers as schemers and brutes.

The highlight of the trip was the unexpected calmness and helpfulness of the voice guiding us through Maps. Despite Richard's initial annoyance, he found himself listening attentively to the app's suggestions, which differed from his usual shortcuts.

The author reflects on the importance of accepting differences in relationships, highlighting how we must learn to cope with quirks and compromises. She suggests that the voice of Maps can be a valuable guide in navigating these challenges, offering objective and helpful recommendations.

The author concludes by comparing marriage to a road trip, emphasizing that despite the inevitable bumps and arguments, the only real option is to keep moving forward.