EDIT: Shouldn’t have put that “kind of” in the title. He literally did want to take us to a 2nd location; I just don’t know if that’s common or if it was nefarious. Been lurking on Reddit again for a week, and I think I have an experience worth sharing from a few months ago. In hindsight, it feels a bit creepy.
It all started as a late birthday celebration for my sister (21F) and me (22F). We decided to go bar hopping, and since we were planning to drink, we opted for an Uber to get to a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. Bar after bar, we had a great time, but eventually, I remembered my friends were hosting an ‘Emo Prom’ at a nearby venue that same night. I had originally turned them down in favor of my sister, but when we realized how close it was, we couldn’t resist showing up for a bit.
We strolled into the venue, our outfits totally out of place amidst the flannel and black eyeliner, but that didn’t matter. My friends were thrilled to see us, and we jumped right into the atmosphere of loud music, nostalgic songs, and plenty of drinks. Eventually, we decided to leave a little before the event wrapped up. My friends suggested a visit to Sheetz (a popular gas station for late-night snacks) for some much-needed food. Naturally, we were in. They were packed into one car, so I ordered an Uber to get us there.
An older guy arrived in a minivan to pick us up. He was friendly enough, throwing in some light-hearted flattery as we made small talk about our night. But after a few minutes of silence, he dropped a bombshell: he wanted to take a detour to a different gas station that he really liked, claiming it was “on the way.” His suggestion felt off, but I found myself caught off guard. I could feel my sister’s hesitation, but I didn’t want to cause a scene, so I just nodded in agreement.
Honestly, I was a bit tipsy and didn’t even consider checking his fuel gauge at that moment. Thankfully, my sister was more alert than I was. Just then, as fate would have it, we stopped at a red light next to my friends’ car. My sister recognized them immediately and waved out the window. They rolled down theirs in turn, and a quick exchange of banter took place until the light turned green. That interaction seemed to change everything. Suddenly, the driver backtracked on his detour and said he’d just get gas at the Sheetz where we originally intended to stop.
After a few awkward minutes in the van, we finally arrived at the Sheetz. But here’s the kicker: the driver actually came inside while we were ordering food. It felt bizarre, his presence lingering as we waited for our snacks. Once we settled down to eat, my sister recounted the situation to our friends, and they all agreed it felt strange. Her intuition about the situation hit home for all of us: why would an Uber driver suggest a detour like that?
Our last Uber ride of the night was with a different driver, a guy who was just as pleasant as could be. He didn’t give either of us any bad vibes, joking about how he was new to the area and needed to learn about the different suburbs. It was a refreshing change from the previous ride, easing the oddness from earlier. As we wound through the city, I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about that first driver. Was he genuinely lost, or was there something more unsettling in his request to stop at a second location?
In retrospect, I still can’t decide if it was just a harmless old man thing or if he read my sister’s discomfort and decided to backtrack for that reason. I don’t frequently take Ubers, so I’m left wondering if these kinds of detours are more common than I think. What do you all think? Creepy encounter, or just an innocent diversion?
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As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
