The El Camino Effect

Troy and I drove up to Maple Grove today and on the way I saw a guy driving an El Camino. My sister always talked about how she wanted one of the those cars and I was telling that to Troy. He commented on how weird the car looked which made me laugh because that is one of the reasons why Laura likes it so much. I mean, half truck, half car . . . it's the best of both worlds! So, I am laughing and pointing at the El Camino, picturing Laura driving it and singing Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves by Cher, and then we drove right past the car. It was only when I made eye contact with the driver while I was laughing and pointing that I realized . . . he can see me. I have decided to call this . . . The El Camino Effect.

The El Camino Effect is what makes us think we are invisible in our vehicles. I know that most people feel that way because I am always seeing people pick their noses. (The worse is when someone picks their nose and then inspect it. Gag. Gag. Gag.) Or people are pretending they are in a Bono music video. I myself have rocked many a concert in the driver seat of my little G6. I swear, I have zero reservations about that either. Most people seem to be completely oblivious to the fact that their vehicles are not tinted, Pope-mobiles. I include myself in that group. Simply put, it is The El Camino Effect in full bloom.

It is kind of like when people walk past a mirror. This would be the sister effect which I have now dubbed, The Mirror Effect. (I know, it's not as catchy as The El Camino Effect. I am willing to take suggestions for this one.) Have you ever stopped to watch that? Their pace may not change, but their countenance does. Eyebrows raise, lips become slightly pursed, some do a little hair-flick, all for that moment that they see their reflection. Sometimes I purposely try not to look in the mirror as I walk by. It's another small victory. It is sort of like saying, "Hey Mirror, I know you want me to look at me in you, but I'm not gonna do it. I'm not gonna purse my lips." That is me dominating The Mirror Effect.

There you go folks, a little Pam-Sense psychology. This one is free of charge.