Because compared to automatics its a lot harder. I hear it's really easy and natural once you get used to it though, it's just the learning period that's frustrating (my sister stalled 5 times in a row a while ago and got really pissed off, it was pretty funny). Hey, stalling is not fun. I can understand why your sister would get pissed off, you'll understand too when you learn on a stick. My parents did the same as your parents are going to do, they bought a stick for me to learn on. Once you get the hang of starting, it's almost as easy as an automatic. In fact, when you drive an automatic, your left foot will feel so useless that you will want your manual back. Thanks for the encouragement. My parents say it will help me not get in accidents because I have to pay attention more. Unless you have 3 hands, you won't even have a chance to try out using a cell phone or eating while driving. You constantly have to shift on city streets as you approach traffic lights and make stops, so you will be pretty busy while driving. But it's fun, so don't think you will dread all the work, you won't even think about it once you get used to it. :D I hate driving with my dad because he's always talking on his cellphone while driving (a stick). It's pretty dodgy.