Yesterday, I had an interesting experience at the car dealership, where I brought my car for service.

I had an appointment, having been forced to make one a full week, in advance. I even knew the name of the service consultant with whom I was scheduled to speak.

The formality of it all, even before I showed up, alarmed me. It was way, too ceremonial, just for a 25,000 mile service and a possible brake job.

That morning, I could feel my stomach tensing; it