I was on the bus with my son, heading back from the shopping centre. Next to us stood a woman with a young boy who looked about the same age as my lad.
The bus was jam-packed, elbows and shopping bags everywhere. I spotted a young chap bobbing his head along to music through headphones and politely asked if he might let my son have a seat. Without a fuss, he hopped up and, with all the charm of a small English gentleman, my son handed over a toffee as a thank you. The fellow looked mildly embarrassed, but he grinned.
Then I noticed the other mum decided to have a go at my trick, so to speak. She quite literally started tugging at a man’s jackethe was dozing off in his seat and hadnt noticed a thing. When gentle yanking failed, she ramped up her campaign to full-volume indignation. The poor bloke pulled out his earphones, blinking in confusion, barely awake as she shrieked:
Cant you see Ive got a little one here? Give us your seat! She bellowed so loudly, even her own son started to cry in fright. The man wasnt having it, mind: I dont want to move, thank you very much! he declared, standing firm for the cause.
Honestly, I sided with him. He didnt owe anyone his seat, especially not under attack from public bellowing. I suggested her boy could perch next to mine instead, but noshe was far more interested in escalating the drama.
Now, proudly, Ive never made such a scene myself. If I need something, I simply ask nicely. If someone gives up their seat for my child, I am incredibly grateful. And if they dont, I respect their decisionthe seats theirs, after all. In all these years, Ive never actually been turned down.
Maybe thats because I dont resort to shouting at strangers on public transport. Novel idea, I know.
