Not a Fan of Forced Conversations

So, I drive for a living. I do Meals on Wheels, which means I spend a good chunk of my day delivering food to people who really need it. It’s a job that keeps me moving, and honestly, I like it. It’s simple, it’s important, and—best of all—it usually lets me do my thing solo.

But every now and then, we get substitute drivers riding along with us. They hop in for the day to learn the route, especially when we’ve got new clients or changes. That way, if someone calls off or gets sick, they can step in without a problem. Makes sense, right? I get why we do it. That doesn’t mean I like it.

I’ll be real: I really don’t enjoy having someone ride along with me. There used to be one guy—cool dude. Super chill. I actually didn’t mind when he rode with me. We had a good vibe, nothing forced. We could talk a little, or not talk at all, and it never felt weird. But now he’s got his own route, and I’m back to the awkward shuffle of having a stranger in the passenger seat.

See, I really enjoy the peace and quiet of being alone in the car. It’s kind of my happy place. I’ve got my rhythm, my thoughts, maybe some music or just the hum of the road. I don’t have to be “on.” I don’t have to make small talk. I don’t have to think about what to say next.

When someone rides with me, I feel like I have to entertain them. Like I have to keep the conversation going, even if I don’t feel like talking. And that’s not who I am. I don’t do well with forced conversations. I’m not a natural chatterbox, and sitting in silence with someone I barely know? It’s just… awkward.

I know it’s part of the job sometimes. I’ll deal with it when I have to. But if I had it my way, I’d be solo every day. Just me, the road, and a car full of meals. No pressure, no small talk, no weird silence. Just peaceful, quiet, productive alone time.