I am a very focused driver. I pay attention to the cars around me and try to anticipate what their next move will be, often with open dialog (albeit one-sided) such as, “If you aren’t going to change lanes, turn off your d***ed blinker.” I am courteous to other drivers, always giving them the “thanks” wave when they let me in, or by letting them in when necessary.

I have a Yellow friend who, when driving, tends to feel that the entire road belongs to her and sees nothing wrong with straddling lanes and fluctuating her speed in tandem with the intensity of her constant chatter. Interestingly enough, this doesn’t really frighten me. In my opinion, Yellows have guardian angels, and my proximity to her saves me from being crushed in a horrible fiery accident. I do, however, find her driving habits rude, and don’t mind telling her. She, being Yellow, doesn’t mind my sarcastic comments like, “Are you going to choose a lane anytime soon?” She is oblivious to the middle fingers and curses from other drivers, as well as my constant use of the imaginary break.

My Blue husband is a different matter. Recently, he and I embarked a road trip of nearly 2000 miles. We took my Prius to take advantage of its great gas mileage and the built-in GPS. I drove.

Anyone who has had a Blue in the passenger seat knows that they have a tendency to be a bit judgmental, and a lot worrisome. My husband is no exception. Having said that, he has been married to a Red (whose tendencies are insensitivity and impatience when criticized) long enough to know better than to actually “backseat drive.”  Instead, in a pleasant, conversational tone he will say things like, “Hmm. I think I would have gone the other way, so I could make a left turn at the light,” thus feigning a polite observation in lieu of open criticism. I understand his need to voice his opinion and I really appreciate the fact that he is sensitive enough not to openly judge. Normally these little observations amuse me. Still, in an unfamiliar city at rush hour, these comments would frazzle anyone’s nerves. I finally turned to him and said, “The only running commentary I want to hear is from the chick in the dashboard!” He was quiet for a full minute when he said, “Well, I don’t think it was a running commentary.” I laughed—tension averted.

Just as the world is made up of many personalities, the highways are made up of many different drivers. A billboard might divert a Yellow’s attention, Reds might vent at other drivers, Whites might get lost in their own thoughts and miss an exit—and Blues? Well, they just want all the rules followed (their way).

We made it to and from that unfamiliar city, and needless to say, my husband and I both breathed a sigh of relief when the chick in the dashboard said, “You have reached your final destination.”

Teresa Glenn has been working with the Color Code since 2006, where her main focus is product development. She has been in the publishing and product development field for over 20 years. Teresa is a core Red with a strong Yellow secondary.