What I Learned About People from the Driver’s Seat
by Andy Lee
A couple of days ago, I wrote about the Chris LeDoux song “This Cowboy’s Hat” and its message—that we’re all more alike than we may realize. And lately, I’ve been thinking about that again.
A few years ago, shortly after moving to Nashville, I started driving for Uber as a side hustle. I have plenty of stories from that experience—some funny, some weird, some downright strange—but one lesson really stuck with me: for the most part, people are good.
Now, I know what you might be thinking.
“Andy, of course people were polite—you were driving them where they needed to go! They were on their best behavior.”
Well… yes and no.
People Like to Talk
One thing I learned pretty quickly was that people like to talk—especially about themselves.
Some were chatty right away, eager to share their life story before we even hit the first stoplight. Others started off quiet, only to open up once they realized I was happy to listen. I had conversations with musicians chasing their dreams, tourists seeing Nashville for the first time, bachelorettes ready to take over Broadway, and business travelers just trying to get through another week.
Despite the different backgrounds, one thing remained the same: everyone wanted to be treated with basic respect.
And as long as I gave them that—greeted them politely, made small talk if they wanted it, and didn’t treat them like just another ride in the app—they responded in kind.
The Benefit of the Doubt
Of course, not everyone was great.
I saw some ugly sides of humanity too—people who were rude, entitled, or just plain unpleasant. And believe me, I had plenty of opportunities to respond in kind.
But I made a rule for myself: I would always start by giving people the benefit of the doubt.
That didn’t mean excusing bad behavior. It didn’t mean letting people walk all over me. It simply meant assuming the best about them until they gave me a reason not to.
And even when they did? I still remained polite and courteous. Not because they necessarily deserved it, but because they didn’t expect it. And because, in just a few minutes, they were going to be out of my car and out of my life forever.
The Takeaway
Driving for Uber showed me something simple but important: most people just want to be treated with kindness and respect. If you start with that, they usually return it.
And sure, there will always be exceptions. Some people are just having a bad day, and some people are just jerks. But if you assume the worst about everyone, you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment.
So I’ll keep giving people the benefit of the doubt—because more often than not, they prove me right.
Just something I was thinking about. See you next time.
I was thinking about... 