What is the correct ettiquette for giving up your seat on public transport? Every time I board packed public transport I'm faced with this dilemma. Theres the standard crew you stand for-the elderly, the frail, the pregnant, people with crutches, people with children, people with guide dogs... you get the picture. These people are acceptable to offer to. Its clear cut.
Then theres the iffys. The inbetweeners. The ones with the grey hair and compressed spines who board the bus with the energy of Olympians. Sure they look old, but as they scramble along through the throng without a care or a worry you feel you'd offend them by offering them a sit down. They give you a look as much to say "Don't let these eccos or brown support tights fool you, I'm strong as an ox."
I wasn't always like this. I used to offer my seat to anyone with crows feet. A sprightly 18 was I when I offered to stand up for a woman who (in hindsight) was no more than 40. As her cheeks turned crimson she practically jumped out the window to affirm me of how little she needed that seat. A friend who was with me remarked "theres a line for who you offer your seat to on the bus and who you don't-and you just crossed it."
This post goes out to the man with the grey hair, false teeth and the lap top that I left standing for 5 stops on the luas today.
8 comments:
Fuck it. He has a lapdog, he don't need the seat.
I also have that dilemma. But mostly I think the elderly should not take public transport in rush hour. You know you're going to do the right thing, but it's 8 in the morning and come on....
I actually consciously avoid public transport. I can't stand it, from dilemma's like the giving up of seats, to the horror of people who know nothing of personal space, it's not worth it. My bike spells danger but at least it's not the nightlink.
Sarah-you're right. I shouldn't feel guilty. He can afford a laptop and I cant. Did they not try to ban old people from public transport at rush hour? (before realising that was maybe a bit cruel)
Red Leeroy-I too am a cyclist, but there are places that a bike should never go- such as the rainy Tallght hills at 630 am
I got barked at one time too many by aul ones TELLING me I had to give them my seat. I always would, but now I just sit upstairs.
I sit upstairs too, avoid the dilemma of giving up your seat and the much worse fate of having to talk to the wrinklies.
I'm ageist.....wha?
I'm all for giving you seat up to who ever looks needy but what really pisses me off is the cunts who steal it off you when the person you gave it to leaves. They're like circling vultures waiting for easy prey.
It's just not right!
Johnson-welcome.
They know you're a soft touch who's not going to say anything to them. Take them by surprise by glassing them.
Theres the standard crew you stand for-the elderly, the frail, the pregnant
Here be potential social faux pas of Prince Philip proportions. Careful now.
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