This topic hits a raw nerve in me. This is one of my biggest pet peeves, the so called "pasabay".
It is in my character not to cause inconvenience to people. As such, I always bring my own transportation. The reason why I learned how to drive at a very young age (16) is that I am somebody who hates waiting up. I need to come and go as I please without regard to others. And then come these people, the "pasabays". In principle, "pasabay" is okay as lang as you do not cause the car owner any inconvenience all all.
Here are some rules that "pasabay" should follow:
1.
Don't make the car owner wait - I have this pasabay male officemate who has this irritating habit of making me wait. Those who work in the CBD know how ten mins can make such a difference traffic wise.
2.
Don't impose on the drop off location - know the car owner's route and choose a drop off point that will not cause the car owner to deviate from his normal route. My officemate previously mentioned chooses a drop off point where public transpo is available, and we all know what this means - traffic. The reason why I bring my car everyday is so I can control my route so this really pisses me off!
3.
Be mindful not to cause any harm/damage to the car - I can't help but cringe every time the door gets slammed hard and when the matting gets out of place. I'm not the obssessive compulsive type, I am just a person expecting common courtesy.
4.
Do not violate the car owner's personal space - changing the car stereo or the aircon temperature and vent. Always ask the owner's permission first or better yet always assume that the owner minds.
5.
Do not volunteer another person's car - I hate being put on the stop by third parties saying "o ihatid mo na si" esp if this comes from a guy. This happened to me once when a male officemate has this brilliant suggestion since my female boss and I live in the same city that I should just bring her home. It's totally out of the the way, it's dark going to and from there, it was past 3 in the morning. My safety was put on compromise. I wonder my Dad would have reacted had he heard this guy suggesting that I be the one to take our female companion home instead of him. And to add insult to injury, he also made "pasabay" WOW. Chivalry is so DEAD. Just because I have a car does not automatically mean that I will be safe at all times.
6.
Be courteous - if you're going to make "pasabay" for a long trip, have the courtesy to offer to pay for toll, parking or even gas. Most likely the car owner will not take your offer, but extending courtesy is much appreciated.
7.
Don't make pasabay smelling like cigarettes or food - I keep my car smelling new and I am even mindful of what I purchase so that the smell does not stick in my car. It infuriates me when somebody makes pasabay and stinks of cigarettes
These are things that I wish I could tell people but I could not. It's just not in my character to tell people off so I end up being abused by people who have total disregard or are ignorant of decorum. I don't have any problems in my inner circle as we all follow these rules, it's mostly with people that are just acquaintances that give me trouble.
I also noticed that common violators of these rules are people who never owned a car. They do not know how it feels like to be on the receiving end of "pasabay".
It is simply disheartening that common courtesy is not that common. Sometimes I would like to know what goes on inside the heads of bastos people. Are they even aware that they are violating us???