Men Do Ask For Directions - Helping Mr. Subaru in Amherst, NH and Paying It Forward

Yes, men do ask for directions. Maybe not by pulling into the local convenience store or gas station, but just this week I was stopped by three different folks (2 women and 1 man) and asked for directions in Amherst, NH. Our little Village of Amherst can be a bit tricky for folks new to the area.

I remember VIVIDLY the first two weeks of life here in the Granite State. I moved from Houston, TX to Amherst, NH in 1990. Vermont may have more cows than people, but New Hampshire is where those cows defined the road paths on their way up to Vermont. To me, every road looked exactly the same...2 lanes, twisty, trees on both sides and no street signs...and almost no nighttime street lights.

When I moved to NH, I got lost almost EVERY SINGLE DAY. In 1990, there were no cell phones, no GPS technology....no lifeline at your fingertips. If you got lost, you drove around until you saw something familiar or you asked someone along the way.

One of the best stories from those early days goes like this. I needed to go to the local post office to mail a letter (remember, no on-line banking, no email). I called my neighbor and asked if she could give me directions. She hesitated, started to talk, then hesitated again. Finally, she said, "Why don't you wait and I'll drive there with you, it is too difficult to describe on the phone." What kind of crazy place had I moved to that required an escort to get me to the post office?

Now I'm an expert navigator and am at home with all of the short-cuts, back roads and unnamed streets in the area. But there are still folks who need a little help out there, so I make it a point to help out when I see an obviously lost soul.

On Tuesday afternoon, I loaded Helena into the jogging stroller and we were off for a terrific run. I decided to jog into the Amherst Village center and stop by the library while we were out. A huge treat for Helena.

As I approached an intersection of a "busy-ish" street I needed to cross, Mr. Subaru was on the opposite side. No blinker was on, so what was he doing? Straight, left or right. He just sat there. Wait, wait, wait....I was annoyed a bit because I wanted to be sure he saw me before I crossed the street in front of him, but he didn't move.

Maybe he was waiting for me, while I was waiting for him. Ok, I crossed. As I ran by his car, the passenger window lowered and he said, "Excuse me, can you help me find the Post Office?" Ah Ha! He wasn't annoying, just lost. I've been there. We chatted a bit, he was new to the area (and looking for a Realtor!).

I gave him directions, made sure he knew the landmarks to look for and I gave him my business card (I have them in the stroller....type A personality) so he could call my cellphone if he got lost again or needed any other help learning the area.

Mr. Mike Subaru was happy and on his way. I felt great that I helped someone and was back on my way to the Amherst Town library. I always stop when folks need directions and pay it forward....one day they may return the favor.

Cheers and Happy Mother's Day!

Caroline

Photo Credit: Flickr - franctasy