Why do people sit in their cars with the engine running and BS for 20 minutes in someone's driveway?

[Crazy Dave]

When they could have just sat inside with the same people they were visiting an extra 20 minutes instead? :shrug:

[jpgray]

1. We are all organized and united in our mission to cause you momentary petty annoyances

Which reminds me, I haven't paid my dues this month.

[Crazy Dave]

3. Not so much an annoyance...

Just observing stupidity. Wasting gas, standing and talking out in the cold when they just stepped out of a warm living room, breathing car fumes, etc.

[MineralMan]

2. Around here, it's called the Scandinavian Goodbye

In nice weather, folks stand around the car, continuing the visit. Then, when the people leaving get in their car, they all talk through the open windows.

Around the car

Sven: So, how's that Ford workin' out for ya?
Ole: It could be a lot worse, Sven.
Lena: So, Ingrid, when does Thor come home from college for the holidays.
Ingrid: Well, you know how those young boys are. He has some girlfriend up at college, so ya never know.

After Ole and Ingrid get in the car

Sven: Well, I don't know, but I hear a little ticking under the hood, there.
Ole: No kidding? I can't hear anything in here. I'll just get out and listen.
Lena: Oh, Ingrid, I forgot to give you that hot dish to take with.
Ingrid: Oh, yah? Let me come it and get it, then.

The cycle repeats, ad lib...

This can last for varying periods of time, depending on how many of the participants are of Scandinavian heritage.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. You live in Minnesota, then?

Yah, I've seen that happen, for sure.

[MineralMan]

6. Yah...I live in the Cities now...

It's not so bad. A lot of guys might not like it, but it's not too bad, ya know. You got good shopping right nearby, and they do get around to the street plowing pretty good.

Yah...it could be worse, you betcha.

[Crazy Dave]

5. Well if it's a tradition I should reconsider

I hate to insult people's traditions and I guess I'm a rude f**ker when I leave someone's home and they want to keep BS'ing. I say, "look...I really have to go, bye" and leave otherwise you'll never get home or you'll have to go back inside and take a piss again.

[MineralMan]

7. Well, I don't know for sure, but you don't sound

like a Norsky or a Swede, then. But, I don't complain, you know.

Still, a lotta guys'd not be in such a hurry, doncha think? And, if ya have to come in to use the toilet, you could stay for a little more coffee and maybe somma Lena's lefse. Yah...no need to rush off...

[CreekDog]

9. i'll bet people in Sweden are a bit taken aback that they get credit for this kinda stuff

:hi:

[MineralMan]

10. You're probably right, then...

but they stayed in Sweden, instead of emigrating to America, then, didn't they. The Scandahoovians who came to America were the tough ones, doncha know. Lutefisk eaters...and a guy's gotta be pretty tough to eat that stuff, then.

Yah, sure...it's good to be a Scandanavian in America, even if you're only one by marriage, like me.

[CreekDog]

8. cause if i can chat and contribute to global warming

i feel more productive.

[MineralMan]

11. Well, a guy's gotta do his part to support the economy.

[Locrian]

12. maybe they're just making out??? n/t

[Phredicles]

13. "Because they're stupid. That's why everyone does everything" --

Homer Simpson

It does fit especially well in this case.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

What's even worse is a) and b)

a) People who get into their cars in a full parking lot as if they are ready to leave, turn on the engine, have their back-up lights on and ready to go, and then just sit and idle there for another 5 minutes while you stand there ready to take their space.

b) People who go through a drive thru, get their food, and then eat it in the restaraunt parking lot. Seriously, that I just don't get--eating your food in your cramped car is better than eating it at a table in the restaraunt how?

[Crazy Dave]

16. Exception to the one where they sit and wait while you're waiting

C) If you are only driving through then they immediately shoot out of their parking space to get in front of you and cut you off without even getting into their car all the way. Then they go very slow (around 2mph) while they have you behind them.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

14. Dupe. Self-delete. nt

[graywarrior]

15. It's a safety zone for an argument

[astral]

17. Well that's one reason it happens.

I have been caught in that situation countless times, both as the driver trying to dropp off the Droppee, and as the passenger trying to GIT OUTA THE CAR and go home. And people are talking at a level, like there's no polite way to cut them off, like what they're saying is really important stuff. Now, if I'm driving, I don't mind if they wanna sit in the car and gab with me for awhile, but since I don't know this is what's up, my engine's running and I am wasting gas.