The Stree-Free Way

For 24 years, Corene Peterson, Usha Sampath, Janice Tamehiro and Arbella Malong have been in the same carpool.

The women--a white Mormon, an Indian Hindu, a Filipina Catholic, a Japanese American Methodist--are a ride-sharing rainbow coalition of teachers from Woodlawn Avenue Elementary School in Bell. Collectively known as “The Carpool,” here are their 10 tips for success in the fast lane:

1. Interview for compatibility before you accept someone into the carpool.

2. Allow for different driving styles even if it may palpitate your heart a bit.

3. Be ready to laugh and be laughed at.

4. Never tell the ending of a movie when the others have not seen it.

5. Let confidences remain within the four car doors.

6. If one of you is dressed in haute couture, don’t be envious. Use her as a fashion consultant.

7. Enjoy each other’s strengths and accept without judgment your fellow car-poolers’ weaknesses.

8. Never laugh at someone’s efforts at a homemade or home-grown Christmas gift until that person is way out of sight.

9. Give time and space for relationships to grow.

10. Differences can only divide if you allow them. True friendship knows no boundaries of race, culture, religion or color.