The world has changed

Where did the time go? As we get older, we all ask ourselves this timeless question.

Actor Michael Keaton seems to have it figured out. He once said, “There comes a point in your life when you realize how quickly time goes by, and how quickly it has gone. Then it really speeds up exponentially. With that, I think you start to put a lot of things into context...”

So for all you young folks under the age of 60, let me put this reality into perspective. I went to buy a new car this past week. I was not the least bit interested in the consumer report, the average gas mileage, the size of the engine, or even the color. All I wanted to know was would it hurt my back to get in and out of the thing and would the seat aggravate my cracked tailbone.

I am still young enough to remember a few things. For instance, when I was younger, buying a car terrified me. Let’s face it! Car salesmen can be the worst! In the good old days, they always wanted to know if my husband would be showing up. When I told them I was single, their eyes would begin to glaze over in excitement like they had just spotted a deer in headlights. Then the smooth talking would begin. They never bothered to explain whether the vehicle was a 4 or 6 cylinder. They would say stuff like, “With your blonde hair, you will look beautiful sitting behind the wheel of that red sports car.”

Well, as you know, my hair is “strawberry” blonde, so I would get behind the wheel of my old beat up Ford and head on down the road. I would usually end up at another dealership with my big brother in tow. He would walk in; get the carfax (before they were even invented); negotiate a $3,000 price cut; and have me sign the dotted line within an hour.

Hopefully, society has changed just a little in the past 30 years. However, I must admit car salesmen are still a breed of their own. The second you drive onto the lot, they appear as if from another galaxy... flagging down your car as if you have committed a universal crime. And, there is never just one. They surround you from every direction... regardless of the freezing temperatures and the 100 mile per hour winds. They are primed and ready... And, they still have those fake smiles... you know, the ones they think will make you eager to part with your cash.

Have they learned nothing?

Well, if you happen to be a car salesman let me give you a little bit of advice.

“Don’t follow women to the back of the lot and pounce on them the minute they slow down.” I’m sorry, but this is still a little scary... no matter how old you are. We all know these guys have to make a living, but a woman knows what she wants... especially the old broads. We don’t need you to patronize us. We just need to get the best deal for our money. And, we need to purchase a vehicle that will comfort our aches and pains.

Oh, and as for looking good.. We know exactly what makes us look good. That’s what mirrors and selfies are for... We got this! If you want to sell cars, just sit tight, listen, and give the girl what she wants. In fact, that’s good advice for all men at all times.

As for you female “car salesmen”, women control the purse strings and we do not like it when you smile and flirt with our husbands just to make a sale. Just shoot the dice straight and let them fall. More than likely, honesty will get you a sale.

Just a little food for thought... It’s 2025! Trump is in office for the second time. The world has definitely changed!

Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-763-4461 or 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.