Wrong to Insist on No Food in the Car?

ON Jan 1, 1999 at 12:00PM

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Dear Ms. Demeanor:

During an outing with some friends, one of the cars on the trip broke down. A couple of guys stayed with the driver to get her car started. Since I was riding alone, I offered to take her passengers on so they would not be stuck out in 90-degree weather and end up being late. A few miles down the road, they asked if I minded if they eat in the car. Then they got upset because I said I did. Because of the interior, I don't eat in the car, and don't allow anyone else to eat in there. My sister thinks I should have let them eat in the car. Was I wrong?

Karen

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Dear Karen:

If it's your car and you are in the driver's seat, you are the boss. You have every right to ask your passengers not to eat. Soft, yet firm, language is helpful. For example, you could say, "You know, I learned the hard way not to eat in this car. I spent an hour getting some food stains out of the upholstery one day when I ate on the run. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't eat." You might have looked for a nearby rest stop to accommodate your hungry passengers.

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