I was at a popular supper spot. Parking was a big problem. We decided to park at the nearby private housing instead of by the road like everybody else. It was a narrow two-directional, single-carriage way. With all the cars parked along it (including ours), there was barely room for one car at any one time.

After supper, we walked back to our car. At the entrance of the road, two cars were facing each other, caught in a stand-off. One wanted to get out, the other wanted to get in. Neither would give way.

The two drivers were face-to-face, gesturing wildly at each other for more than 5 minutes. Eventually the one coming out gave way and reversed for roughly 100 metres. He was on the correct side of the road. She was on the wrong side, but refused to reverse out into on-coming traffic.

When both cars finally had enough room to pass each other, both drivers rolled down their windows and had a small argument. All in all, I suppose it took them 15 minutes to clear the 100 metres of road.

I was indignant. He was on the right side of the road; why did he have to give way? She could have just parked by the entrance of the road and wait for the other car to pass by.

Later, when I had time to think it through, I think I could understand why she behaved like that. Home for her was probably at the end of that 100 metres. Given that so many people park along that road to go for supper, there was probably some inconvenience to the residents of the private housing. But still, I don't think that was valid reason for her to behave the way she did.

Singaporeans can be so ugly. What would YOU have done, if you were in their place?