I frequently travel by train in London at rush hour and am a little unsure of who is more deserving of a seat. I know you're meant to give up your seat to the elderly however of late, I have noticed that people often give up their seat to anyone over 50, yet I don't think that is old, I would rather reserve my seat for someone who clearly needs to sit down not just someone who has a few grey hairs. If I was 50 and healthy and some snotty 20 year old offered me their seat I think I would be offended more than grateful to think that they thought me unable to stand.
What do you think, am I being selfish or are other people just too nice???
2006-11-19 20:55:49 · 18 answers · asked by valleylaydee85 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes
2006-11-20 13:20:35 · answer #1 · answered by ZenPenguin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An man offered me a seat on the train a few days ago and I'm 40 - really don't think I look any older (might be deluding myself of course) and do not look pregnant either. I didn't accept as he looked well over 70 - I'm hoping he was just an old fashioned gentleman giving up his seat to a lady!
2006-11-21 05:12:09 · answer #2 · answered by susie03 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That depends on you, some people will say Why should they get the use of a seat?.
Don't listen to people that have no respect, be yourself if you wish to give your seat it is your choice not those that would rather sit and watch some elderly person struggle.
And they have a right to travel whenever time they want.
2006-11-20 05:07:22 · answer #3 · answered by Rod T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I travel on trains in London, I am generally ignored. I don't get a seat because I'm not prepared to barge my way to the front of the scrum.
If I'm standing on a train or metro in Italy, I usually get offered a seat. I find this slightly embarrasing because although I look old and decrepit on the outside, I still think of myself as being about 28.
2006-11-20 05:01:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree with you for the most part. I think that if the person is healthy enough to stand, by all means you were there first. However, I do think that if a woman were to get on the bus and you were a gentleman, you would offer her the seat to be courteous. And hey it might be a good way to pick up a girl your own age....being polite goes a long way sometimes ;)
2006-11-20 05:02:42 · answer #5 · answered by volley_queen11 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
>>>If I was 50 and healthy and some snotty 20 year old offered me their seat I think I would be offended more than grateful to think that they thought me unable to stand.>>>
Why? Why would another's efforts to be nice be so offensive to you?
It wouldn't be a case of them thinking that you're "unable to stand." It would just be a case of kindness. What's so "offensive" with that?
.
2006-11-20 07:05:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am one of those people who always give up my seat but I don't think it depends on age, I just feel bad if I am sitting comfortably and someone else is standing, however, during my first pregnancy I soon realised that other people are not as considerate when I tried to sit on a bench whilst out shopping, very heavily pregnant, and an elderly lady attempted to push me off! I think it all depends on peoples upbringing and not on how old they think you are!
2006-11-20 05:00:26 · answer #7 · answered by Princesspoison 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should only give up your seat to someone who really looks like they need it. They might be a young mum who looks shattered or a man who looks really worn out like he has had a tiring day, it does not have to be some biddy with a blue rinse ^^ I think that is mor considerate and useful than stnading up for anyone you think looks a bit past it.
2006-11-20 11:08:08 · answer #8 · answered by puppylozenge 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Old is someone who resembles your grandparents ......to me anyway.No i don't think you are being selfish you were on the train first.you should give your seat up to pregnant lady's because that is respect ,you try standing in that condition.Its a give and take world out there if you look at someone and think they really look like they need your seat its up to you to make the choice.
2006-11-20 05:03:52 · answer #9 · answered by Carol B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its all about good manners - If people are trying to be polite that is a good thing - I have offered my seat to mothers with children, older people its just good manners - something we are losing today
2006-11-20 05:11:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋