Ever wondered how in-car dynamics such as seating positions can impact on us as people? I must admit, the subject has never troubled me. For the last thirty years, I've occupied the front passenger seat. But what about riding in a car as a child? According to a study, a lot can be revealed in this unique environment which places everyone together in a confined space. Often this orientation can directly reflect or influence our personalities.
Children who get stuck sitting in the middle seat on long journeys are more likely to grow up to be rich and successful, according to new research. Of course, in all likelihood they're the oldest child, with the younger two needing their special car seat. We didn't have those back in the fifties (That's one of those terms that need to change now we've entered the twenty first century.) But, being the oldest sister, I can't remember where I sat or if I was uncomfortable. I know I hated the smell of my youngest sister's vomit. Just goes to show, smell is one of the most powerful memories. Chuckle.
Back to the subject of sitting in the middle position in a family car, which is traditionally the short straw for children piling into the back seat. The spot tends to be restrictive on legroom, back support and lacks a decent view.
However, experts claim that the perceived unfair position gives them the drive to do well in business when they grow up.
1,000 Brits with two or more siblings surveyed in the Skoda Octavia study found that 90% of those at director level had been subjected to middle seat misery when they were young. And 80 per cent were convinced that having to suffer the discomfort of the middle seat in the car was linked to their later success in business.
The survey found many of the middle seat managers thought their position in the car as a child had made them more considerate rather than ruthless.
Whilst 43% of middle seat children remembered arguing about their position in the car, 66% said that looking back, they actually enjoyed it. Source: The Telegraph.
Children who get stuck sitting in the middle seat on long journeys are more likely to grow up to be rich and successful, according to new research. Of course, in all likelihood they're the oldest child, with the younger two needing their special car seat. We didn't have those back in the fifties (That's one of those terms that need to change now we've entered the twenty first century.) But, being the oldest sister, I can't remember where I sat or if I was uncomfortable. I know I hated the smell of my youngest sister's vomit. Just goes to show, smell is one of the most powerful memories. Chuckle.
Back to the subject of sitting in the middle position in a family car, which is traditionally the short straw for children piling into the back seat. The spot tends to be restrictive on legroom, back support and lacks a decent view.
However, experts claim that the perceived unfair position gives them the drive to do well in business when they grow up.
1,000 Brits with two or more siblings surveyed in the Skoda Octavia study found that 90% of those at director level had been subjected to middle seat misery when they were young. And 80 per cent were convinced that having to suffer the discomfort of the middle seat in the car was linked to their later success in business.
The survey found many of the middle seat managers thought their position in the car as a child had made them more considerate rather than ruthless.
Whilst 43% of middle seat children remembered arguing about their position in the car, 66% said that looking back, they actually enjoyed it. Source: The Telegraph.
Disclaimer: I wasn't a child a hundred years ago like the picture depicts. Almost—but not quite.
Living with my divorced mother as a child, we didn't own a car. But, my father did. He'd call in some weekends to drive us to his new house with our step-mother. On the way, we'd beg him to drive around the 'curly-wurly', which was a house-lined crescent with very severe bends. It gave me the feeling of being on a giant fun-ride. When we reached the end we'd beg him to go it again.
No matter where I sat, I ended up a well-balanced person. I think.
Can you remember the dynamics of your childhood position in the car?
Living with my divorced mother as a child, we didn't own a car. But, my father did. He'd call in some weekends to drive us to his new house with our step-mother. On the way, we'd beg him to drive around the 'curly-wurly', which was a house-lined crescent with very severe bends. It gave me the feeling of being on a giant fun-ride. When we reached the end we'd beg him to go it again.
No matter where I sat, I ended up a well-balanced person. I think.
Can you remember the dynamics of your childhood position in the car?
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