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Have you ever been driving and ended up behind someone taking forever to turn right at the corner? Why won’t they just go? It seems like they love sitting there and have no desire to move, doesn’t it?

We’ve got places to be, and honking feels good—it gives us a sense of control. We could even go around them—though I’m not here to give driving tips!

What if we considered what they might be going through? They could be a new driver, unfamiliar with the area. Bushes could be obscuring their view. Or maybe they’re overcautious from being in an accident a few weeks ago.

Another option? Just wait another 10 or 20 seconds and let them turn when they’re ready.

We often get impatient and want people to do things our way. This happens not just on the road but with the people we encounter throughout our day. If only our partners, children, parents, or coworkers would listen to us—their lives would be so much better, right? We may be right, but we have to allow people the space to make their own decisions.

This doesn’t mean we ignore our own needs or shared goals. Empathy and patience can coexist with healthy boundaries. Pausing to reflect on someone else’s perspective can open the door to more balanced interactions, where both sides feel understood and supported.

It’s helpful to consider situations where we are “honking” at someone—literally or figuratively—and when frustration arises because someone isn’t meeting our expectations. In those moments, we can take a step back, and trust others to take their turn—in their own way and time—can make a difference.