Emergency Break…
Here in one of the greatest cities in the world the majority of us commute/travel/get around via public transit.
The subway system being one of the most popular, it’s usually always there for you (usually). It gets you places, it provides entertainment and it opens doors.
You could say it is the most constant relationship I’ve had since moving to NYC.
SIDEBAR: We did have that 3-month break but that’s another story.
Yup, I think the subway is my true NYC boyfriend. He’s usually on time, he smells sometimes, he’s cool, and always has someplace to take me…. oh and he’s a fun big long thing to ride on!
However, if it’s my one true relationship I must project my fears and hang-ups that I usually foresee in men on my beloved subway boyfriend.
And I do. I’m scared of the subway most of the time. I stand back away from the edge (see above sidebar), I get disgusted by others my boyfriend lets ride on him, I make comments about his smell and appearance, I worry when he’s not on time, and I get pissed when he’s not there for me when I need him, yet he seems to be there for others.
But like all relationships I’m prepared for what might go wrong. See the subway has its emergency plan. It is in ever car, on every line: The, “what to do in case of an emergency” procedure plan.
The emergency brake is usually right above this list of procedures. The list of what to do in case of fire, evacuation, illness, police emergency and so on. What does one do? Not what you think. In fact you don’t pull the emergency brake.
In all emergency matters you never pull the brake.
The brake is like a false security. Much like the false security you have in a relationship. If something goes wrong you can’t just push a button or pull a cord and all will be ok. You can’t always walk away unscathed.
In case of an emergency you need to turn to the procedures to handle the situation in the right manner. You need to calm down and walk through step by step.
In relationships we aren’t always prepared for the “emergencies” we face but we can’t always fall back on a false security that things will be ok. Something or in this case someone isn’t always there to catch you, isn’t there to save you, and in most cases just isn’t there fore you.
Although, subway emergencies don’t happen often, relationship emergencies happen all the time. Whether it is a real fire, or just an irate passenger we need to learn to just breath and take the right steps in making things better.
Now if only there was a manual for that…..
Wow. I love this extended analogy. It was brilliantly written.
well thank you :)
Very interesting. I know I wish I could just pull the cord and make life’s relationships better, that’s for sure!
I hate to be pedantic, but… isn’t it “brake”?
Great analogy…
Lori — yeah, but what would we learn from that!?
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Canuck-Errant — In the title no I meant for it to be break. Anyways, thanks for your first comment! :)
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TurnJacson — Thank you Sexy, and thanks for your first comment :)
I’ve never been ashamed of the fact that I consider Public Transport a cheap feel paradise.
Loved the analogy you drew; so fitting.
Here’s the real stumper…when the train is going so fast that it may not feel 100% safe- what do we do when our boyfriend pulls the “Emergency Break.” How long until service resumes…and IF service resumes, should we climb back on?
Great analogy…hit home! :)
“In all emergency matters you never pull the brake.”
or
When things get tough in a relationship, getting the hell out is not always the best tactic.
Pulling the brake seems like the “right” choice in both subway and relationship emergency situations, but maybe it’s just the “easy” choice?
Really enjoyed the analogy, much food for thought
Thank you.
haha this is cute. But what about the mariachi bands??
I stumbled upon your blog from Kelly Seal’s Youtube Channel, but kudos to you for this post – it’s written so eloquently, I had never thought about relationships via public transit :) You know, I think in the emergency brake situation, it seems like other people are waiting for someone else to pull the brake, waiting for someone else to take the responsibility of admitting they are scared and want to stop.