Quote Originally Posted by salsabike
Jeanne, don't quit! You might need instead to develop your own approach to things like stop signs, if BF's aren't working comfortably for you. Like, each of you could clear L and R just for yourselves. And...maybe you could tell him later, when everyone's cooled off, that it would be more helpful if he...whatever would work better for you.
I agree. Communication is complicated, not least within a close relationship. Keep the riding simple. Each look both ways. Each also warn the other (like calling out bumps, gravel, cars approaching) but don't assume that what hasn't been called isn't there. And if you're feeling extra nervous now, maybe find a quiet road/park/bike trail for the next few rides to regain your confidence, practice clipping and unclipping, and so on. The more aspects you feel you can do more or less automatically, the more of your attention you can give to aspects that can't be automated -- like watching the traffic.