Now I HAVE TO get bucket seats, shifter won't work on bench seat

Recently a friend (in a new car, I'll admit) pulled the lever for the 1-2, missed the shift point, then didn't pull it for 2-3, missed that one too.
Fortunately, only a time trial.
I'm sure I could get used to it..... but I was used to my Cheetah shifter too.... and I still went 1-3-2-3 occasionally.