DEAR Jasminda,
My husband insists on having his window down in the car, regardless of the weather.
He says he feels stifled with the windows up and the air-conditioner on.
I prefer to regulate the temperature.
How do we compromise?
Belinda W.
Dear Belinda,
I wonder if it’s a short-haired thing.
People with short hair (or no hair) can enjoy having the windows down without worrying about the side-effects. It must feel invigorating to feel the wind on your face without the accompanying hair-whip.
My husband sounds like yours.
If we are going out, I leave with hair like Katy Perry and by the time we arrive I look like Dee Snider.
We’ve all become accustomed to modern living, but there was a time in the not-too-distant past when cars with air-conditioners were a luxury extra.
In winter, getting into the car was like stepping into the deep-freeze, and in summer, you could almost smell your skin sizzling as it stuck to the seat.
Clutching the steering wheel or attempting to put on a seatbelt was a test in resilience similar to walking on hot coals.
There are times when having the window down is appealing, though.
A few spring to mind:
1. You are driving along a scenic coastal route and enjoying the salty breeze.
2. You are pretending you are Bette Midler and singing Wind Beneath My Wings.
3. You are a Golden Retriever.
Apart from those examples, it’s nice to regulate the airflow and temperature.
Also, spare a thought for people in convertibles (or in Mini Mokes or on Motorcycles) who not only have to find their glasses and keys before a drive, but also their berets (or helmets), gloves, scarves, and knitted knee warmers, and in summer, lashings of SPF 50.
Carpe diem,
Jasminda.
I agree with your husband. I hate air con in cars. I think it’s dangerous as it puts me to sleep. At least when the wind is blowing in the window it keeps me alert and besides, I like it.