Pronouns for profit

As a rideshare driver, I'm constantly questioning my choices. What areas I chose to work in, which rides I tale, when conditions are best, the time I should stop. It's endless. 

So is, well, the code-switching. When a passenger enters the car, I confirm identity and destination, let them know about amenities, and wait for a response. If none or perfunctory is forthcoming, I respect that choice and complete the task. But if a conversation occurs, or the passenger seems like they are waiting to hear more, I wade in.

Last weekend, I'm working a not particularly well to do area. These can be more advantageous, since you are driving less distance to get your next passenger, and people with means are just less likely to be dependent on rideshare. But you do wonder if you are trading quality for quantity, especially when... the pick up is at a Wal-Mart, and the drop off is at a 1-star roadside motel. 

But into every rideshare life, some 1-star motels must fall, so let's get it done.

The passenger texts that there will be two riders, and they are waiting for me at the door; good start. On entering, they compliment the amenities, and I go with the usual next gambit of offering tips for using the services. One of the passengers volunteers that they used to drive for a rideshare platform, so they were curious if any of the tactics I am going to share are new. We then talk about tactics, and I venture that if you are OK working with drunk people, it can be lucrative due to surge pricing. 

I've learned, over the years, not to make a lot of (in some cases, any) eye contact with passengers. It can come off as confrontational, and my focus is on the road; that's where the deer, police, potholes, pedestrians, other drivers, are. So I haven't really looked at these folks, and, well, won't.

The passenger then contributes that when they drove, they weren't comfortable with drinkers. I shrug and note that it's easier for me, since my mother has been a bartender for so long, and I present male. That's the exact words I used, because I have known folks in transition, and well, why not. It's just accurate.

There's a pause, as if the passenger is wondering if they should say the next thing, and then they do. "Well, that's interesting. I'm trans, and I never thought of it that way."

Telling a complete stranger your orientation is, I suspect, a moment of trust. It can go badly, of course, or take the conversation into places they might not want to go. But my read of the situation is that this person is new to the area, encouraged by a moment of conversational inclusion, and not really looking to share their full journey with me. So I nod, don't change my demeanor or cadence or eye contact, and continue the journey, with points about the region that may be of interest, after confirming that they are, in fact, new to the area.

The conversation continues, the ride ends. The next day, I see a tip that doubles my take for that ride... 

And, well, that's one ride where I do not question my choices.