Shaky Stop
Got pulled over today. Minor traffic infraction. Got off with a warning. That's not what this entry is about.
During the stop, the officer approaches, "Good afternoon, I'm Officer [Redacted], let me see your paperwork please." I oblige, and as I'm reaching to my glove compartment for my paperwork, he says "A bit shaky today?"
And I realize I'm shaking like a leaf. * nervous laugh * "yea, just a bit nervous I suppose."
I was trembling. I was in no danger. I knew all my paperwork was in good order. I'd never been stopped before. Never have I been booked for any crime. But I was so anxious, I couldn't help but trembling. After the stop, I felt ashamed. Here I am, [redacted] years old, and still dithering like a child being scolded. I sat for a minute after he drove off. My nerves had calmed, but I wondered what I could do to prevent such a poor showing next time.
I'm a very... I suppose anxious person. I'm highly risk averse. And I've never been physically imposing, so any sort of confrontation makes me feel extra defensive. I guess it's a lack of confidence? I am a terrible liar, too. I think that's related.
All this to say, I want to work on my composure. Keeping my cool. And not embarrassing myself, making the officer think I'm hiding something or on drugs because I can't just sit still like a normal person.
Yours Truly,
[Redacted]