Sometimes going inside is just as -if not more- stressful than work or wherever they spent their day. Going inside could mean dealing with family conflict, chores, etc, so that time in the car might be one of very few times they get to truly relax with no obligations/expectations
Exactly this. If you commute by car, this is likely the first time in 9+ hours that you’re not expected to perform for someone. Navigate traffic, do your job, navigate traffic. Some people can decompress and turn off in public transportation, but not everyone - and anyone driving from the station is probably navigating a shitty traffic pattern at the hub, adding to the stress of a short drive.
Me, I did it for all that plus feeling listless and like there’s no value in actually going inside. I’m gonna go to my chair and sit on my phone. So why do the walk? Why pass my parents and give some undetailed recount of my day at work? Why deal with a dog happy to see me again today and have to put mental resources into reciprocating when I don’t feel like it? Why see if my girlfriend wants to get dinner (and pick where) when I know it’s going to be 20 minutes of “I don’t know”? There can be so much stress with going into your home that for a few more minutes, everyone will assume you’re still driving but you can just clam up by yourself.
Sometimes going inside is just as -if not more- stressful than work or wherever they spent their day. Going inside could mean dealing with family conflict, chores, etc, so that time in the car might be one of very few times they get to truly relax with no obligations/expectations
Exactly this. If you commute by car, this is likely the first time in 9+ hours that you’re not expected to perform for someone. Navigate traffic, do your job, navigate traffic. Some people can decompress and turn off in public transportation, but not everyone - and anyone driving from the station is probably navigating a shitty traffic pattern at the hub, adding to the stress of a short drive.
Me, I did it for all that plus feeling listless and like there’s no value in actually going inside. I’m gonna go to my chair and sit on my phone. So why do the walk? Why pass my parents and give some undetailed recount of my day at work? Why deal with a dog happy to see me again today and have to put mental resources into reciprocating when I don’t feel like it? Why see if my girlfriend wants to get dinner (and pick where) when I know it’s going to be 20 minutes of “I don’t know”? There can be so much stress with going into your home that for a few more minutes, everyone will assume you’re still driving but you can just clam up by yourself.