A lot of my problems are of my own making. I have to go to the dentist this morning and have a tooth repaired. It's no big deal, and it's something that has to be done.
But the real annoyance is that my dentist's office is fifty miles away, in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, so I have to negotiate rush hour and construction traffic to get there. It's an arduous journey that I do not look forward to undertaking.
Common sense says that I should just change dentists, but I have been going to the same place for twenty-five years, and I'm a loyal son-of-a-gun so I just can't abandon the relationship.
The real problem is, that it is going to burn a half of a day and I just don't have that much time to kill.
I know that I've answered my own question, but I'm just thinking out loud here.
How much loyalty should one expect from a long time customer and friend?
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required. Visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. North Georgia Photos.
You know what Richard, I have a buddy who has bought and sold multiple homes with me in the second home market here in the Poconos. His primary home was on the market 2 years ago and I honestly could have listed it (I do belong to that MLS also). Primary home is about 40 miles away and I advised him to use a good neighborhood realtor in the area as opposed to allowing me to list it for him. This was a $600,000 house mind you. Pint being is that loyalty is awesome but you still have to do what makes sense. Anyone would understand that.
Richard,
As you age you're going to be putting a lot of miles on that car unless you find a closer dentist. Of course, he's earned your trust and loyalty over the years but I'm sure even he would find it odd for someone to drive 50 miles to go to the dentist. Cardiologist...different story.
Rich
Richard, to me loyalty is a great trait to have. I drive about 40 mile sot go see my dentist, but I live in the sticks, and the town I drive to is a village. But, that's just me. I see your point of loyalty, but I think if I had to drive 50 miles into THAT traffic, I may find a different dentist.
LOyalty is a great trait. You could start looking for a new Dentist and take years of frustration to find one you like. Just think if we could get our clients to be this loyal.
I solved the dentist problem about 10 years ago and now if I have a [problem, I just drop my teeth into a bag and drop them off at the office and pick them up latter in the day!
Hi Richard:
You're post is similar to what I'm going through...
I've had a tooth that's been bothering me now for about a month...
My dentist, that I've had now over 30 years is an hour away. I've been putting it off because I just don't have the time to burn 3 hours during the workday.
LOL @ William, I lost it on that comment!
Richard, since I know the traffic, or at least suffered through it the last time I was in Atlanta (and that was quite a few years ago), and I hate traffic, my loyalty would have probably snapped. I guess I would ask him for a referral while there, explaining the traffic situation.
On the other hand, how many times a year do you have to make this trip?
I dislike traffic so much though... and that traffic is mind boggling in Atlanta. I can't imagine having to plan your day around traffic. I complain if I have to wait in 3 minutes of traffic. :(
Rick...
I know in my heart that you are correct. Thanks for throwing in your $.02!
Rich...
Exactly...and my time is very important! THX,
Ian...
It is NOT a pleasant drive! lol and thanks.
Bill...
Lol ... you kill me, my friend!
Toula...
It's a real problem, isn't it> Thanks!
Andrea...
About 4 or 5 times ... it's a tough call. Thanks, but I have to run or I'll be late!
What a dilemma. If I had a good dentist, or a hairdresser, who was 50 miles away, I would just plan my day around the appointment to go to them. It may souund crazy but good dentists and hairdressers are not so easy to find. Aren't there any sights that you could photograph before or after your visit?
Richard, my dentist is an old friend and I drive 55 minutes to get there. It does eat away half the day and on routine cleanings, it's not so bad. But when you have an issue, and it takes a couple of visits, it's a pain. I say the same thing to myself... I should get a closer dentist, but he never hurts me, makes me laugh, and he always cuts me a break in price.
Richard, customer loyalty is a big factor in any business. This is also a Doctor who through the years has earned your loyalty through good service. I wouldn't change Doctors.
Richard, I would get my current dentist involved in the choice of a referral, much like our business asking a loyal service provider for a recommendation will make him feel better that he helped you chose a competent replacement...and what comes around you know goes around.
You obviously practice what you preach ... loyalty. Enjoy the drive to your old stomping grounds. Look up an old friend, have some good think time. You know you don't have to worry about the dentist so the rest of the day should be fun.
Richard - explain the situation to him (distance, driving time, etc) and ask him to refer you to someone that is closer to your home. I am willing to bet that if he were in your shoes he would be asking for a referral to someone closer. It's not abandoning a relationship, it's being honest with yourself. I'm sure your dentist will understand.
My rule of thumb has always been ... if you're more than 20 miles away and it takes me longer than 30 minutes to get there then we have to rethink the viability of the continued business relationship.
I will drive a hundred miles to have lunch with a friend but some of my friends I will drive 100 miles away from just to avoid doing business with them.
Loyalty comes in different packages. Recommend some others to him so as to take your place. Then meet with him for lunch and tell him how difficult it has been to replace him. He'll never question you loyalty then.
It's funny Richard that you are beating yourself up over YOUR OWN choices. Dentist loyalty can be a good thing I admit, but maybe you are being inflexible. There are other good dentists, maybe even better elsewhere. You choose to eat up so much time, then you gripe about it. I love it. I wrote about complaining awhile back and to do that initial vent is good, but then stop the complaining. Live with it. It is your decision. If you don't like the decision don't make that one. You are too funny today Richard. Do I sound like your wife? Your voice of reason??? LOL.
I'm in the process of moving myself and I do have to say that I will be driving the extra miles to my dentist as well and I won't be switching. If he does a great job, you like them and their prices are fair, stay loyal, it says a lot about you!
Richard: I have the exact same problem as you. However, I am being forced into finding a new dentist as mine is nearing retirement. When you find someone you trust poking around in your mouth, it's no small thing. I would ask for referrals of friends in the area that really like their dentist. After all, that's how folks find us.
I have always gone out of my way to be loyal to my friends, but that's just me. The real solution is to ask your friend to be loyal to you and move his office to your town so you don't have to drive so far. I don't if that will work, in fact I doubt it will, but it's worth a shot.
Richard, I know that it kills a lot of time... But There are always so many other things you could do while in Atlanta. Surely there's someone you haven't seen in ages that you should get caught up with? Some other project you've been putting off? A little late to get them in maybe but maybe not! :) Be loyal. It's a good thing.
Loyalty is a rare and admirable trait. I think of myself as a loyal person. I try and stick with those who I like and do right by me. I think if you can make your long distance relationship work continue it. If not it maybe time to go your separate ways.
How often do you need to go to the dentist? I go 2x a year and would take the time for a dentist I trust.
I'm thinking I would talk to the dentist and explain my dilemma I bet he would be able to refer you to someone closer. I bet he would do the same thing.
I agree with those who said talk to your dentist about a referral as well as the suggestion you could plan your day around the trip...mainly, I just wanted to say WOW, I love that photo! Who is that beautiful creature?
I drive all the way across town just to get my hair done every 5-6 weeks. Now, I realize this is not anything like driving Atlanta traffic, but my friends think I'm nuts. I even tried to find someone on this side of town but gave up and went back to my favorite stylist ever. I am able to schedule my appointments at 7:30 so I don't lose half the day.
Hi Richard -- I faced the same kind of question with my Dentist when I moved 5 years ago and decided to keep my dentist as he is extremely competent, smart and I am in excellent hands. For this reason alone, it was worth the drive 2-4 times a year. I spend probably 20x the time carting my kids to activities than I do for my own dental health so it was worth it. I did switch my kids to a local pediatric dentist due to more visits, needs, and with two kids, the logistics got to be too much. After disappointment, I switched them back to my old and trusted dentist, even though the distance is much, much farther. A different slant than your loyalty, but same subject matter.
Richard - The Blue frog is impressive ! I'd give my eye teeth to get a shot like that at a blue frog.
Richard: When it comes to someone causing pain in my mouth or effecting the way my hair looks, I do the drive as well. When you find someone who is good (gentle & competent) it's hard to take a chance on anyone new. It's tough to be away from the computer for that long; however, the Blackberry takes a bit of the sting out.