It's funny how some new drivers purposely turn a blind eye to the one and only parallel parking spot even if they are in a place where many would kill just to get a lot. Yes, I agree that it's stressful to fumble at the wheel and turn back to see a python of cars waiting for you, and to make matters worse, you're still in the original spot. Unless you can stand the smug 'parallel-parking-ables' and let their sniggering eyes trample all over you, well a (wo)man's gotta do what a (wo)man's gotta do.

Here are some tips that will significantly reduce the number of cars you put in line to see your spectacular performance:

Confirm that you're not trying to park a Jaguar in a spot meant for the Mini Cooper. Even the most experienced drivers will find this a mean feat. It's as good as getting a chicken to lay an ostrich egg. Unless there are at least 2 empty joint lots, it is easier to reverse into a parallel parking lot rather than going in head on.

Look out for the rear corner of the car in the side window. Slowly turn the wheel to the right when the front of your car passes its rear.

Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and start reversing, stopping at a 45 degree angle. There're no poles for you now, but you can try to look at the side of the rear windscreen as a focal point.

Stop when this focal point is in line with the car behind. You can start turning the steering wheel as much to the left as possible, until the car pulls in along the curb.

If you're 10-12 cm from the curb on the first attempt, I'll be impressed by your good luck and amazing skill. But for the many others, do try and practise again until you get it right. Do it 5 times, 10 times or 20 times, just as long as you get it right. Next time it will be your turn to give those new drivers the satisfied 'I-can-parallel-park' look.