A few weeks ago, my friend and I planned to take our kids to look at Christmas lights at a local event. There is 1 free parking area. All other parking areas are private and require payment.
I drove around the free parking area for about 15 mins before finding a space. However, a middle-aged couple were standing in the space (an effort to “save” the space for someone else). I rolled my window down and said “I’m sorry, but I’m going to park here,” and I turned my wheel to begin parking.
The man moved with no comment. The woman did not want to move and told me “no, you’re not.” I told her we’ve been searching for parking for a while and want to park. And I told her to move. I said “move your body, please” and continued to slowly pull into the parking space.
She moved but was angry and yelled “great example you’re setting!” While pointing to my child in the backseat.
It’s been weeks and I am still wondering AITA, and did I set a bad example for my child? I did not originally think I was TA because there are no rights to save parking spaces. But now I wonder…
I should also say this parking space was not an accessibility parking space. And it was not designated or located in a place to support someone with limited mobility.
NTA no car, no parking space claim
NTA
I’ve never heard of this method of trying to save space. It’s flawed, cars beat humans every time.
NTA! What a rude woman.
NTA. Christmas time really can be defined as “Tis the season to be a selfish asshole”.
You were setting a great example for your kids. How to politely stand up for themselves and not to back down to a bully.
NTA, but those trying to “reserve” the spot are.
NTA
Can’t save a parking space with your body.
Nope.
You set a great example, kept your cool and took control. This woman is the AH.
I continue to be surprised by the number of people who think you can “save” a public parking spot.
You were polite, and the woman reacted poorly.
You are absolutely NTA.
NTA only an entitled asshole tries to save spaces like this
No you said please. Great example. Now, point at a child, that is disgusting. NTA
NTA you did set a decent example, she’s the one who didn’t.
NTA – It is illegal to stand in a parking space to “hold” it. You are setting a great example for your child. Your teaching them to follow the law and to stand up to those who don’t. Well done.
NTA.
They can’t reserve a space by standing in it. People who do this count on most people not wanting to challenge them on this.
NTA, if there was a good reason they were saving it, they should have explained. I did this once, all the handicapped spots were full, I spotted one just on the other side of the handicapped spots and jumped out to hold it while my mom pulled around. Guy pulled up, I explained why I was saving it, he sees my mother pulling up with her handicap placard already up, he sighs, says “that’s fair”, and let her park. I thanked him profusely. If there are extenuating circumstances, like that, the person saving it should explain.
Yep. I was pulling into a parking space once, and the car in the spot in front had its hood popped open and the woman asked if I could park somewhere else because her car wouldn’t start, and her husband was coming to give her a jump to see if they could get it started again. (I offered, but she said her husband was already in the parking lot and about to come down the aisle.) I figured fair enough (and I doubt she’d pop open the hood of her car just for show).