Courtesy is Contagious (Park Happy!)

I love the . Ever since I was a little girl, this was a magical place filled with delights of every kind. At Christmas, I wander around under the glowing palm trees and just revel in the beauty of the place. In summer, it was my escape when my colicky babies were too fussy to stay indoors–I would push their strollers to , flipping through magazines as they snoozed, having a cup of coffee at , browsing the racks of designer goodness at , or meeting friends for lunch at

As I write this, all I can think about are the sweet potato fries at Pacific Catch.

It really is a wonderful place – but for one teensy, tiny problem.

You take your life in your hands in the parking lot.

I have never seen a location with such consistently bad parking courtesy. I think people pull in the driveway and promptly go insane. Rather than circle the lot as we politely do at other malls, they back up, turn around, or park sideways, just to get into a space, regardless of who, or what, is in their way. 

I get that there is a parking shortage at the Pruneyard, especially at lunchtime. But I have always eventually found a place. And there’s even a parking garage in the back.

The ruthlessness of Pruneyard customers is appalling. I’m terrified to take my son with me to , lest he put one toe ahead of me and be run down in the driveway.

I have a theory that just as rudeness seems to be contagious, so is common courtesy. Treat others the way you want to be treated, and perhaps they will do the same, and so on. 

Here's a few things to remember when you park at the Pruneyard(or anywhere) for that matter. 

• If you’re in such a hurry that you’re willing to take someone's life for a parking space, then maybe you shouldn’t be cutting your time quite so short. Have lunch later.
• Go early! Even 11:00 a.m. offers wide-open spaces and plenty of options. 
• Leave the angled spots to the cars that are pointing that direction – no hairpin turns causing back ups on both sides of the lane.
• When you see pedestrians waiting to cross to their cars – allow them to do so. Stop and patiently let them cross, most definitely those who need a little time – like the elderly or parents with young children. If you stop, others will as well.

Courtesy is contagious, Campbell friends. Be kind to someone today, breathe deep and be patient as you look for parking. Allow yourself an extra 10 minutes so you don’t feel rushed.

But most of all – keep your perspective. What's an extra five minutes in the grand scheme of things? It's an oldie, but... who doesn't love a little Alabama? 

I'm in a hurry to get things done, oh I, rush and rush until life's no fun. All I really gotta do is live and die, but I'm in a hurry and don't know why...

from I'm In a Hurry (And Don't Know Why) by Roger Murrah and Randy VanWarmer 

Anything to add? Have you also experienced parking insanity at the Pruneyard? How do you respond?