An interesting discussion started online when a traveler shared a frustrating experience on public transport.
It all began with a viral post on Reddit‘s r/AmITheA****** where WorriedRedPickle questioned whether it was wrong to refuse a woman a seat next to them on the bus.
According to the post, WorriedRedPickle often commutes by bus between work and college. The buses are usually not crowded, so she had her bag on the seat next to her. Despite plenty of other empty seats, a woman insisted on sitting next to her and asked her to move the bag.
Feeling tired after a long work shift, WorriedRedPickle was not thrilled and subtly expressed her reluctance. The woman, in turn, criticized her manners, leading WorriedRedPickle to eventually move to a different seat, questioning if she had behaved correctly.
Reddit users overwhelmingly supported WorriedRedPickle, emphasizing the availability of other empty seats and expressing understanding for her desire for personal space.
Commenters echoed support with statements like “You’re not the asshole” and shared similar experiences of people insisting on sitting next to them, despite the availability of other seats.
Elizabeth Wyse from Debretts Etiquette Coaching Company provided a contrasting view, emphasizing the close proximity that comes with public transport and suggesting alternative modes of travel for those averse to sitting closely with others.