The 10 Golden Passenger Princess Rules

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This post is all about passenger princess rules.

Passenger princess being driven by her boyfriend

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Maybe you’re preparing for your first time being a passenger princess.

Or maybe you’re a long-time passenger princess looking to step-up your game.

Regardless, this is the post for you.

Below are the golden passenger princess rules that you should never forget.

Following these rules is key to making your driver believe you’re the perfect companion for any journey – whether it’s a long road trip or a quick drive-thru stop.

What Is A Passenger Princess?

Before we get into the rules, you should be clear about what a passenger princess is.

To put it simply, a passenger princess is anyone who occupies the front passenger seat of a vehicle while someone else drives.

It’s a coveted position so if you’ve earned it – nice!

The rules below will ensure you keep that position for as long as you want.

Passenger Princess Rules

1. Be Good Company

This first rule is the most important of all.

There are three kinds of passenger princesses:

An okay passenger princess: someone who keeps the driver company during the car ride simply by being there.

A good passenger princess: someone who can have a conversation and brings positive energy.

A great passenger princess: someone who can have an engaging convo, has a good sense of humor, is entertaining (but not distracting), and brings great vibes all around.

Of course, everyone should aim to be type III.

Here’s how to be a great passenger princess:

Stay off your phone: This is just basic. Don’t put in headphones or keep your head down looking at your phone for the entire journey unless you’re sharing dad jokes or crazy stories from Reddit.

Don’t be stiff: The general belief is that real-life princesses are stiff and stuck up and wouldn’t do anything ‘improper’. Luckily, passenger princesses aren’t real-life princesses. Don’t be so stiff that you can’t take a joke or make one.

Learn how to keep a conversation going: However, this doesn’t mean that you should talk non-stop. It’s okay to sit in silence sometimes and just appreciate the view.

Learn some fun car games: If your driver is up for it, it can be fun to play some games on the road. You could play ‘guess the song’, 21 questions and so much more.

The purpose of a passenger princess is really about being great company. If you can make your driver miss you when you’re gone then you’ve won the game.

2. Respect Your Driver

It’s important to respect your driver, whoever it is.

Here are some tips for doing so:

Avoid insulting their driving: even if you can drive, don’t make negative comments about your driver’s skills on the road.
Don’t be a backseat driver: again, even if you can drive, it’s not a pass to tell your driver what to do and how if they didn’t ask for advice. That’s just annoying.
Acknowledge their preferences: as much as you are a princess, it’s not just about you. Be sure to take into consideration your driver’s song requests, temperature preferences, and more

If you have snacks please don’t keep them all to yourself!

Offer your driver and let them accept or decline.

Better yet, it’s always a good idea to walk with easy-to-eat snacks anyway, particularly ones both you and your driver will enjoy.

TIP: your driver will have to keep their hands on the steering wheel, so don’t be afraid to feed them if necessary (and you both are comfortable with the idea).

4. Be Helpful

Passenger princess rule number 4 is to be helpful.

This might include:

Being a secretary: If they need it, help your driver out by making or answering calls or responding to texts on their behalf. Also ensure that all phones are sufficiently charged.
Keeping your driver awake: You’re not the only one who might get sleepy during a long trip. Check on your driver often to make sure they’re awake and alert. As you can imagine, this is a must for everyone’s safety.
Being Dora: a.k.a frequently refer to a map/ GPS. Assisting with directions is an easy way to help out and will get you to your destination faster and with less hassle. Just be sure to point out the next turn BEFORE it comes up. It’s also a good idea to note upcoming gas stations, restrooms, restaurants, and landmarks, particularly for long trips.
Chipping in for gas: while this is totally up to you and your discretion, offering to help with gas will always be appreciated. Always.

5. Be Attentive

A passenger princess should also be attentive during the car ride.

Never leave this task to just your driver.

You may spot something that your driver hasn’t and pointing it out can make all the difference, whether it’s a stop sign, your next turn, the police, or something in the road.

So, as tempting as it might be to curl up and take a nap during a long ride, staying awake and alert is important for the safety of everyone.

TIP: If you can’t drive, observing your driver can be a great way to learn some new things.

6. Stay Calm

Drivers are aware of this, but if you don’t drive here’s one thing you should know: the traffic situation changes ALL the time.

There may be times when your driver needs to suddenly hit the brakes or swerve to avoid an obstacle.

When something like this happens, it’s important not to panic or be dramatic. This can cause your driver to panic too — which only makes things worse.

For the safety and sanity of you and everyone else in the car, try to be calm.

7. Keep Things Clean & Organized

Watching their car get dirty right in front of their eyes would make any car owner cringe.

But we understand — things can get messy when there are snacks involved.

We’re not telling you to walk with a napkin to tuck into your shirt like you’re about to sit down for a 3-course meal.

Instead, follow this simple rule: clean up after you.

A good idea is to keep a bag for all your trash and empty it at your next suitable stop. You should also walk with wipes or tissue to soak up any spills, or wipe spots away.

8. Look Cute

This unspoken rule is every passenger princess’ favorite.

It’s simple: wear an outfit you like, do a cute hairstyle, spray the right amount of a nice fragrance, and practice good hygiene.

Makeup is optional – just do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

Your driver will always appreciate the cutie patootie in their car.

9. Be Early

Waiting too long can be annoying and put people in a bad mood, particularly if you’re going to be late to a movie, show, or dinner reservations.

If you’re going to be late, just know that it’s going to be extra work to improve the mood during the ride, regardless of how cute you look.

( Speaking from experience! )

Save yourself the trouble and be early so you guys can get to your destination on time… and in a good mood.

10. Be Willing To Resign (Temporarily)

Finally, be willing to give up your position if the need arises.

Driving for hours can be exhausting.

So, if you have a driver’s license, it’s nice to offer to take the wheel and give your driver the chance to be a passenger princess for a little while.

Don’t worry, you’re still a princess in the driving seat 🙂

The 10 Golden Passenger Princess Rules You Should Never Forget

What Is A Passenger Princess?