GJD wrote: or just me trying to avoid an awkward situation I don't want.
Look at that, one small sentence of common sense speak says it all
It applies to most and indeed probably all driving situation you may come across, you do not put your vehicle and your passengers in any situation you do not want to be in.
Well said that man, I would drive anywhere with you (and I drive with very few people willingly)if that is the way you drive
Ivor