LOL! I love this story. I personally can't stand driving an automatic (owned one for a year; never again!) and get two benefits most don't think of: 1) I never have to deal with a mechanic (auto transmissions being about the only car part I wouldn't try to fix myself) and 2) my girlfriend doesn't ask to borrow my car! :-p
I like manual transmissions for the same reason. The pool of people who ask to borrow your car are greatly reduced!
You don't have to touch your girlfriend while driving, either. With an automatic, you'd be stuck with a free hand, you poor guy. ;-)