Manual vs Automatic

Lately, there's been a couple people around me who have bought a new car, or leased a new car, or is looking to get a new car.  Somewhere along the way, discussions came up about manual vs automatic transmission and the newer manumatics.

When I first learned to drive, it was automatic.  At the age of 16, I really didn't understand why anyone would want to drive a manual.  Why all the extra trouble of the clutch and shifting gears?  Keep it simple.  Less work.  Automatic.  Nor did I have a choice at the time.

A few years later, I met someone who drove a manual.  I eventually found out why.  In her opinion, it was absurd that a car should be able to move on its own.  She wanted manual, so that she'd be in full control of what the car does.  (Although a part of me thought that was a bit extreme at the time, I guess these strong opinions were also part of the reason for the charm.)

She taught some of her friends to drive manual.  She tried to teach me.  I guess with a bit more practice I'd get the hang of it, but I really didn't like the responsibility that came with having her car in my hands.  If I broke her car, I'd never be able to pay for it.  (Although, of course, she would never let me pay for it if I did.)

While growing up as a kid, my aunt and uncle came up from the US every now and then.  They would always rent a car and go around on their own, sometimes taking me with them.  One of the things that had caught my attention was that they would always hold hands.  Always.  Often, even while my uncle was driving.  As a kid, in my mind, all I could think was, "Really?! How about keeping your hands on the wheel?!"

And then I got it.

When we went out, 90% of the time she would drive.  She was the more experienced driver.  She had a better sense of direction.  And, I guess, in some ways I was very much still a kid compared to her.  I don't know when it started, but every now and then, while she was driving, she would take my hand in hers......

Until she had to let go....

And shift gears.

=_=

One time, when this happened, she said that next time she bought a car she would not get manual, because then she could keep holding on and not let go.

I laughed.  Partly at the reason for choosing automatic.  But, of course, more so at the underlying message.

So this is the deciding factor between manual vs automatic.

I wonder what it is now?