I was travelling home with my son after a trip to the shopping centre. Next to us stood a lady with her little boy, who looked about the same age as mine.
The bus was absolutely packed with people. I spotted a young man immersed in his music, headphones plugged in. I politely asked if he’d mind giving up his seat for us. Without hesitation, he stood up, and my son and I sat down gratefully. My son even handed him a sweet as a thank you, which made the young man blush and smile awkwardly.
A few moments later, I noticed the other mother trying to use my strategy herself. She began tugging rather insistently at the sleeve of a man who was dozing off in his seat, clearly exhausted. When he didnt stir, she raised her voice, almost shouting. The man pulled out his headphones, looking completely bewildered by the commotion.
“Cant you see Im here with a small child? Give us your seat!” she yelled so loudly that her own son started to cry out of fright. “Why should I give up my seat?” the man replied, finally standing his ground.
Honestly, I felt for him. He owed nobody anything and certainly didnt deserve to be yelled at in such a humiliating way. I even suggested that her boy could sit next to my son, but she was more interested in making a scene than finding a solution.
You know, I would never behave like that. If I need to, I always ask kindly. And if someone offers their seat, Im genuinely grateful. If they dont, I respect their choiceafter all, its theirs to make. In all my years, Ive never once been refused.
Perhaps its because Ive never shouted or lost my temper with strangers in public. In the end, a little kindness goes a long way, and treating others with respect is always more effective than raising your voice.
