DEAR ABBY: While driving the streets and highways, we communicate in many ways with our fellow commuters. We can wave, give a "thumbs up," lay on the horn or, in slow traffic, shout out the window with curses or blessings. More often than not, a "single-finger salute" is flashed in anger, and that sometimes turns into road rage.
Instead, we should drive the same way our lives should be lived -- with compassion, consideration, attention and awareness of our fellow travelers. When we make mistakes, we should be repentant and signal an "I'm sorry."
Abby, I'm at a loss for a hand signal for "I'm sorry." Any suggestions? -- MILD-MANNERED MOTORIST IN VIRGINIA
DEAR MILD-MANNERED: Living in a city known for its heavy traffic, I can relate from personal observation that many drivers commit moving violations, and an equal number simply make mistakes while behind the wheel. Even I (the saintliest of advice columnists) have done this. While I'm sure my helpful readers will step forward to volunteer suggestions for an "I'm sorry" signal, what I have done when the person pulls up next to me and we're stopped, is raise both hands (palms up) and say, "I'm sorry!" The shame on my face conveys the message.