The etiquette of when to offer your seat on public transport is some of the most complicated we’re forced to navigate – probably worldwide, but definitely in Britain, where most of us are easily mortified, and could then be trapped together, at least until the next stop, to endure the aftermath. When you factor in that it must be done in full view of numerous spectators, no wonder so many commuters pretend not to notice who is standing near them. Make a mistaken offer and you’ve insulted a stranger, to their face, in front of a live audience. You’ll carry the shame with you for ever, on some level, as anybody who has had their Good Samaritan moment ruined by the reply “I’m not actually pregnant, thank you very much” can attest.
As someone who has now reached the age where I am occasionally offered a seat (ewhich I usually decline with thanks because I only go a handful of stops), can I say what a load of utter bollocks this article is?
Let’s agree from the off that those who choose priority seats (the ones clearly marked for people with a greater need to sit down), and then fall asleep or become engrossed in their phone/book/thoughts, are the absolute worst. If you sit there, you are entering into a moral contract. With great comfort comes great responsibility. You’re duty-bound to monitor your surroundings, and leap up if the need arises.
Have you ever been on a crowded train? Doesn't seem like it...
The train track to hell is laid with good intentions – you may genuinely mean “Please do sit down, I care about your wellbeing,” but they will hear “You are ancient, or overweight, or perhaps both.” In a nutshell, you have to be pretty confident of the facts before you dare open your mouth.
People like you with attitudes like this are what has ruined commuting. Decrying basic good manners as somehow 'offensive' and shaming those who display them.
