I see this happen a LOT. I see people get on the bus and take the aisle seat while the seat next to the window remains empty. The bus gets so crowded people are standing up, sometimes elderly people, or parents holding on to small children, ect. Is it just me, or is this rude? Why can't people just move over? Also, I've noticed the people who do this, will also be "saving" the seat until one of their friends comes on the bus and then they'll move for them. Does anyone else think this is rude?
2007-04-09 13:59:32 · 11 answers · asked by I_color_outside_the_lines 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Funny, I was wondering this myself just this morning. I actually prefer the window seat--I can lean up against the wall. At first, I thought the reason was that whoever sits down in the aisle seat does so because they're getting off only a few stops down the line and don't want to be crammed in to the window. This is rarely the case though. Most of those people don't even bother sitting. Then I thought maybe the window seat had something on it (spilled pop, trash, etc.) then I figured no--that can't be it. Maybe in some cases, but certainly not ALL (I see this happen numerous times per day, and there can't be that many dirty seats on the train.)
Regardless, what I find annoying about this is that when people see the empty window seat and excuse themself to the person sitting in the aisle, the person in the aisle seat usually rolls their eyes and sighs like they're doing the other person a favor by turning sideways so the other person can get through. These people don't even have the decency to stand up to let the other passenger into the window seat!
2007-04-10 06:07:59 · answer #1 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't say I've got a lot of experience riding public transport, but why the hell don't they just let people by to the window seat, if they don't want to sit there? Personally, I'd prefer the window seat myself, but I certainly wouldn't block it if there were people standing up. It's public transport, after all, and first come, first served, and all that, but if someone needs a seat, and there's still one available, then yet 'em have it! What's the problem with that?
2007-04-09 21:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by texasjewboy12 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is rude. But they are protecting themselves. They don't want to have an unsavory character sit next to them.
I could understand someone that wants to keep their aisle seat. Such people will usually get and let someone take the window seat or at least move to the side and let the other person pass by.
Also, there are plenty of people that do offer their seat up to the elderly and parents with kids. I am one of them. I won't give up my seat for a young single person of either sex - but I will gladly give it up for a mother or father that has to deal with small kids. If I had a nickel for every time I've given my seat up for a senior citizen I'd have a nice savings account now.
I agree with one of the people above. Assert your self and ask for the seat. Only rarely would you be refused. Most people will willingly let you in if you just ask nicely.
When I am at church I purposefully move in. I've been doing this for a year now. I had to train myself. I don't want someone to have to stand for the whole service because they are scared to ask to sit. But for a bus, I still want the aisle. And if asked I'll move. And I'll still volunteer for any senior or parent with kids.
2007-04-09 21:51:45 · answer #3 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do think that it's rude when there are people STANDING UP, and also people who won't freaking MOVE OVER.
However...for some reason, in the American culture (assuming you're talking about America), we're not so friendly or close with strangers. We need SO MUCH space.
My Spanish teacher told me that in Spanish-speaking countries, it's more common for people to move over and sit next to each other like that...Iunno. We're just....mean.
2007-04-09 21:14:31 · answer #4 · answered by :) 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's rude, but to do otherwise would likely mean they'd be induring someone else's rudeness. It's a catch-22. Because people will frequently sit down talking loudly on their cell phones or playing their iPod's too loud. People who smell or try to engage you in conversation. So it's really just a defense mechanism - in a vicious cycle.
2007-04-09 21:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by seweccentric 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is rude. The bus is PUBLIC meaning anyone can have the seat. No NAMES are on each one. Just be up front and say please can I have a seat there, and if they save it for someone else, TAKE the seat anyway. O.k. You pay, you sit, and so be it.
2007-04-09 21:04:26 · answer #6 · answered by Born Valentine's Day 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
How often have you asked them, "Sir (ma'am), may I sit in that seat next to you"?
I agree that their behaviour is rude, but I've found that when rudeness is confronted in a civilized fashion, it usually "takes a back seat".
In other words, don't expect people to do the right thing. . .you have to assert yourself, or stop complaining.
All respect due.
2007-04-09 21:08:30 · answer #7 · answered by Fourth Line 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Simply put, people for the most part are selfish a**holes. This is evident on the bus, subway and in their driving skills.
2007-04-10 01:31:45 · answer #8 · answered by ReaderTX 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is absolutely inconsiderate.
I felt that maybe they find it harder to move out if there is someone sitting next to them.
They are just not civic minded.
2007-04-09 22:13:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't it remind you of elementary school all over again? It's because people never really grow up.
2007-04-09 21:03:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋