For 30 minutes of near solitude I barricade myself with my
monstrous bags. I’m sitting on the aisle seat of the train hoping to keep the
middle seat free. Why? So I don’t have to be squished into my seat, elbows
cramped by my sides, unable to use my computer. But really . . . is that fair?
Why do I deserve to spread out? I covet this time because normally I don’t have
a minute to myself to think. I’m either caring for a child, flying through
emails, comforting an anxiety ridden dog, or maybe, just maybe, talking with my
husband. Time to myself comes at a premium. So I fight for a comfortable,
quiet, pleasant smelling commute.
I’m starting to question that decision. I know when I’m walking down the aisles and there isn’t a seat to be found until I happen upon the lone bag filled middle seat, the last thing I want to do is meekly ask someone to move their bags. I when I finally muster up the courage to ask, the commuter, much like myself, won’t even look at me. A gruff sure, as they frustratingly push aside their bag and stand up to make room. On the receiving end of this, I always feel bad for having asked. Not a great way to start the morning.
Enough. I’m not going to proliferate this act of unkindness. From now on, I’ll push aside my bags with a smile. Heck, maybe I won’t even make my bags the obstacle. When I see the weary traveler approaching I’ll look up and smile. And when they ask to squeeze in, I’ll say of course, quickly stand up and smile as they take the middle seat. If I weren’t getting off before New York, I’d even slide in to give them the aisle seat. Wouldn’t that be a treat? Maybe this small act of kindness can spread like wildfire and everyone can graciously make room so that people aren’t left standing in the vestibules? Probably not, but at least I’ll know that I haven’t given a harsh start to someone else’s day by being stubborn and grumpy.
I’m starting to question that decision. I know when I’m walking down the aisles and there isn’t a seat to be found until I happen upon the lone bag filled middle seat, the last thing I want to do is meekly ask someone to move their bags. I when I finally muster up the courage to ask, the commuter, much like myself, won’t even look at me. A gruff sure, as they frustratingly push aside their bag and stand up to make room. On the receiving end of this, I always feel bad for having asked. Not a great way to start the morning.
Enough. I’m not going to proliferate this act of unkindness. From now on, I’ll push aside my bags with a smile. Heck, maybe I won’t even make my bags the obstacle. When I see the weary traveler approaching I’ll look up and smile. And when they ask to squeeze in, I’ll say of course, quickly stand up and smile as they take the middle seat. If I weren’t getting off before New York, I’d even slide in to give them the aisle seat. Wouldn’t that be a treat? Maybe this small act of kindness can spread like wildfire and everyone can graciously make room so that people aren’t left standing in the vestibules? Probably not, but at least I’ll know that I haven’t given a harsh start to someone else’s day by being stubborn and grumpy.
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