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.