Spreading the Jalop

"this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata" (fantastic-mr-foxbody) 06/19/2015 at 16:55 • Filed to: Jalopnik Mission

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When we started dating, my girlfriend was an engineering student with a clear interest in mechanical things. She was also driving a first-gen DSM with three pedals. However, her eyes would very much glaze over when I would start to nerd out about cars. Especially when conversations with a friend devolved into strings of internal chassis codes, engine model numbers, and three letter acronyms like LSD.

Given this initial reaction, it is easy to conclude that some people are just not going to get it, and that we just have to live with it. But fear not, my fellow Jalops, because I am living proof that the conversion is possible! Slowly easing her into it, I started with pointing out little details on parked car, helping her notice interesting sheet metal on the road, and sharing stories of poor or just ridiculous engineering. Somehow, between constant exposure, patience in explaining core concepts, and just making the fun of the hobby clear... I’ve steered her towards becoming one of us.

Some examples: she’s watched probably half of TGUK. She not only doesn’t complain about me working on cars, but actually wants to help and learn. She doesn’t look at me like I’m a crazy person every time I shout “ Miata Lyyyyfe!” at passing chick cars. She even bought me hot wheels for my 20th birthday, and they were all great choices—including one of my all time dream cars, a 510 wagon. Of course the las example has been a bit of a mixed blessing... she popped my grown-up hot wheels cherry (I hadn’t purchased a die cast car since I was in the single digits) and now I can’t resist checking out the toy isle every time I stop by Walgreens. Oh well.

But the other day, a true milestone was reached. She fully committed to obtaining the DOTS snap, completely unbidden. She happened to drive past a car that caught her eye on the way to an appointment. It was a couple blocks away from where she ended up parking, in the opposite direction of her destination. Despite this, as soon as she parked she ditched the person she was with, and walked back (in the rain) to snag these pictures:

Yes, indeed. Not just noticing an interesting car. Not just snagging an out of focus shot as she walked or drove by. Actively taking time to seek out the car and take more than one picture, well framed, and from different angles.

Ladies and Gentlemen, that friend, family member or significant other who could not give less of a shit about the rusty wagon across the street, or even actively complains about your obsession is not a lost cause! They are merely a few gentle nudges away from sharing in your joyful (and potentially expensive) passion! Do not dismiss ignorance and indifference, get out there and do the Stig’s work! Dabs of Oppo for Everyone!

B_dol > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 17:08

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However, her eyes would very much glaze over when I would start to nerd out about cars.

Hah I have witnessed this first hand as well. I too have watched my gf go from a casual bystander to a bonafide car enthusiast, so much so that her coworkers introduce her and say “ohhh so and so is into cars ”. While there is still much work to be done, I will let her car history speak for itself.

2-year lease Prius —> Hyundai Elantra Coupe (auto) —> BMW 228i MSport MT

AM3R shamefully returns > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 17:09

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marry her marry her marry her

LongbowMkII > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 17:09

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It’s possible. My wife wants a manual for her next car even though her learning experience when we started dating was... unsuccessful. (I’m a bit proud)

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > B_dol 06/19/2015 at 17:10

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Excellent work! Tuners and sports car makers should be giving us dividends.

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > LongbowMkII 06/19/2015 at 17:11

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You should be!

philipilihp > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 17:13

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Of course the las example has been a bit of a mixed blessing... she popped my grown-up hot wheels cherry (I hadn’t purchased a die cast car since I was in the single digits) and now I can’t resist checking out the toy isle every time I stop by Walgreens. Oh well.

Looks like you need to come over to the LaLD side, friend!

Anyway, well done! My wife is definitely still a work in progress.

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > philipilihp 06/19/2015 at 17:16

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Haha I know I lurk over there now and then, trying to resist the urge because I don't actually have any money to spare. She gave me the ones in that picture to start with, let’s just say windowsill space is shrinking by the day...

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 18:28

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WA plates? Bus? are you in seattle?

CaptDale - is secretly British > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/19/2015 at 18:31

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I am teaching my BF to be Jalop

this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 06/19/2015 at 18:58

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I am indeed. NW Born and raised.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > this is not matt farah's foxbodymiata 06/26/2015 at 02:58

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“ my girlfriend was an engineering student with a clear interest in mechanical things”

Mind blown. That’s like finding a $100 bill in a pile of hay in the dark. Damn my school is full of engineering neckbeards.