I was on the bus with my son, returning from the shopping centre. Next to us stood a woman with her own little boy, who seemed just about the same age as mine.
The bus was packed to the brim, every seat taken. I spotted a young man listening to music through his headphones and kindly asked if hed mind giving up his seat. He immediately stood and offered it, and my son, grateful, handed him a sweet with a shy smile. The young man looked a bit embarrassed but smiled back warmly.
Then I noticed the other mum trying to pull off my trick. She rather forcefully grabbed the arm of a man who was dozing near the window, giving him quite a shake. He barely stirred, so the mum started yelling at him, her voice slicing through the chatter on the bus. Startled, the man removed his headphones, utterly bewildered by the commotion.
Cant you see I have a small child? Stand up and let us sit! she shouted, her voice echoing across the cramped space. Her poor son burst into tears at the noise. I dont see why I should! the man snapped back indignantly.
Honestly, I couldnt blame him. He didnt owe her anything, and nobody deserves to be humiliated like that. Trying to ease the tension, I offered to have her little boy sit next to mine, but she refused; it seemed making a scene mattered more to her.
You know, Ive never acted that way. If I need help, I ask politely. If someone gives up their seat for my child, I thank them sincerely. If not, I accept their choice. In all these years, nobody has ever said no.
Perhaps its because I never shout or make a fuss with strangers.
