Man VS Machine

Do you ever think of your car like a man; you love it when it’s working, but the moment it starts to falter we believe we are seeing his true colours?
My beloved vehicle story is like this; it started with love at first site; he was a second hand beauty, who had everything I was looking for: strong, durable, reliable, provided safety, and was economical; everything I was looking for in a man too; but the car came first.
It was a torrent love affair I had with this car, he could do no wrong; I had named him, I tend to do that with most things. His name was Frank the Tank. He delivered me everywhere I needed to go safely and soundly; we took several road trips together, off to see family, friends, or just be on the road.
As with all second hand cars it’s always good to treat them with a little tenderness, as you don’t know what happened with their previous owner; much like a man, you never know what happened in the previous relationship and what kind of emotional scaring they may have under the hood.
I gave Frank the Tank regular tune-ups and oil changes; then just when I was starting to get really comfortable in our relationship he started to act up; he needed a new alternator; which is a costly and time consuming overhaul. That’s ok, I know a few guys who after a while lose their get up with the same girl; so, like anyone else would do, I paid the staggering garage bill and got him his “get up and go” back. Sometimes, cars and men need to be reminded just how much you care.
I should have seen the warning signs that things weren’t going to get better though; why is it women tend to think we can change a man or car?
Frank got an oil leak, the horn went, the fuel filter needed to be changed, the timing belt went; but I was a faithful owner, I never gave up on him. I figured that I would just keep giving him what he needed and it would all work out in the end.
I see now, that I even do this in relationships and tend to put my man’s needs ahead of my own; I wonder if this is a wide spread phenomenon or is it just me? Hmmm….
Frank and I had one last road trip together and then; when we got safely home, he couldn’t do it anymore; he’d had enough, and left me stranded on the side of a road at night in the rain; of course in the rain, it’s always the same.
Frank and I have parted ways as he was not willing budge an inch…Literally, he wouldn’t move. I got him towed away, said my good-byes and watched him leave.
It was a sad day; just like when you are in a relationship you know it isn’t going anywhere; sometimes it’s best to say your goodbye’s and watch him leave.

You’ll be happy to know I have a new car in my life; his name is Oscar; we’ll see how he goes. At least this time I am aware, it won’t last forever and to enjoy the ride.

Until the next go round...