I've been driving a manual since learning at age 15 on my brother's '53 Willys (3-spd, V-8 short block). My first car was a 3-speed, second was a 5-speed, third was a 6-speed and now I drive an automatic (which would be a manual had I been able to find the right color at that time in this area).

One of the reasons I liked driving a manual is that it's become a deterrent to car theft. Young thieves don't all know how to drive stick.