Life and Religion

If it weren’t for my loyalty, which can sometimes be a character flaw, I would have abandoned my car a long time ago.

My 2002 Jetta was my dream car. It came fully loaded. It has a turbo engine (not that I really know what that means), heated leather seats and a sunroof.
Well, the love affair that began between me and this car is starting to wane. It’s been cutting up, to the tune of total repair costs that could have been a trip to Hawaii.

My check engine light is forever illuminated. As soon as I get something fixed, it goes off for about 24 hours and then it’s back on. I’ve gotten to the point where I ignore it.

So lately my car has been trying to get my attention again by causing trouble and starting arguments. “So you’re ignoring my check engine light, huh, well, IGNORE THIS!” (I’m sure if my car could talk, that’s exactly what it would have said to me when it cut off a few weeks ago.)

At first, rather than get it repaired, in retaliation I drove onto a car lot and test drove some other cars – yep, right in its face. I even left my car there overnight while I flirted with another. “Oh yeah! Well you just sit there and rethink our relationship while I go out with someone else.” (That’s what I would have said if I knew my car could hear.)

But, like I said, I’m loyal to a fault. I got my car fixed and gave it another chance. Everything was smooth sailing until this past weekend when my sunroof was smashed. I don’t know who or what did this to my car.

“Baby, what happened to you? Don’t give me the silent treatment. I really do care.” (That’s me again, talking to my car.)

After getting the sunroof fixed, I questioned my decision about not having gotten a new car. Is it time to move on? When is enough, enough? When is it time to say goodbye and get something new? My family is telling me that it’s time. Some of my friends even.

OK, I’m giving it one more chance and after that, I’m leaving. For real.

(This true story is in no way representative of any real-life relationship drama you may be experiencing.)

E-mail columnist Kimberly Harrington at onyxlyspeaking@yahoo.com.

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