Why don't people give up a seat on a packed train when a girl is obviously heavily pregnant?

Question

And wearing a 'Baby on Board' badge?

Adam D very very funny!

"I'd rather see a pregnant girl standing than a fat girl in tears" - Jimmy Carr

Answer 1

Because their parents didn't teach them properly.

Answer 2

Just pure lack of upbringing if we all make sure to set a good example to our children I am sure we can turn this around, next time don't be timid ask someone nicely if they would mind if you had a seat, know this should not be necessary but some one'sconscience may be pricked. Just come back from the states and was impressed by the way everyone gave up their seats for pregnant women and women with little children, once on the bus the driver called out small child coming onboard give them a seat. It needs all us decent folks to work extra hard to show the ignorant people that "Manners maketh the man" or woman

Answer 3

Sadly, society is becoming increasingly selfish, with each generation fewer and fewer rules are enforced, or indeed are able to be enforced either by teachers or parents.

I was taught to give up my seat to the elderly or anyone who looked like they would need it, and I'd happily say most of my peers would likely do the same.

Sadly, however, many people these days would not. It's becoming an 'every man for themself' society, but be thankful to know there are still those out there who will go the distance.

I recall a news story from a few years ago of a pregnant woman unable to get a seat on a heavily-crowded train. Two squaddies helped her along the train to find a conductor, and requested that he find her a seat in first class - which he did.

Sadly, the selfish end of the story kicks in again when the first class residents were apparently leery of the two squaddies helping this poor woman get to a seat in that oh-so-precious first class compartment.

So, we have our good, and we have our bad. Let's all just remember that when we're teaching our kids, huh?

Answer 4

Pure ignorance, and lack of courtesy and respect. I really do not understand why people do not give up their seats for others, especially the elderly, pregnant woman or someone struggling. It's simple mannerisms that go a long way, if only there were a lot more caring people out there. I also do not like when people do not say please and thankyou, excuse me, etc, but i guess it's down to the person's upbringing and surroundings that has a lot to do with it. I'd definately have given up my seat.

Answer 5

Because our world's priorities are all messed up. Your situation is no different from an elderly person waiting 2 hours in line at the DMV or a disabled person trying to squeeze onto the elevator that is packed with perfectly "able" people. We live in a society that is so self-absorbed and "numb" to the feelings of others. If the world considered everyone a friend instead of a FOE than we would be so much happier and people who are pregnant, elderly, disabled, and in need would be treated with so much more respect and that seat on the train would always be offered without any question.

Answer 6

Isabelle,
It is totally beyond me as to why folks can be so difficult.
I would, and have, happily give up me train / bus seat to an elderly person, a lady, pregnant or not, a disabled person, etc.
I feel that is the proper thing to do.
OK, so I stand for the rest of the journey, no great deal.
"This is my seat, and I've payed for it" Does not wash with me !
Maybe the whole idea of everyone for themeselves has gone out of the thinking a bit, which is sad.
I still open doors for ladies, and carry their local shopping to the car, especially if they are obviously pregnant.
Hey, no skin off my nose, and glad to help with a smile.
I am no Angel, but I wish more would do the same.

Cheers,
Bob

Answer 7

No one has to give up "their" seat.

True, it boils down to manners/ courtesy.

I often have done this, mainly for the elderly, However, why do I feel guilty or looked at by someone standing for not giving up my seat - I may be young, I may not be disabled, BUT I do have a problem with the nerves in my leg (due to when I was pregnant my son laid awkwardly and that was 3 years ago). I don't have to justify myself - we all pay for our seats.

As a pregnant woman, I was sometimes offered a seat, If I felt that on that occasion I needed it - I would sit, otherwise I politely refused.

We're pregnant. Not disabled, Not elderly, just pregnant.

Answer 8

DELBOLOF is 100% correct ! Your pregnant, not ill.

Being pregnant doesn't make you in anyway disabled. You can stand, carry bags etc why do people assume that you can't do that anymore because you have a baby inside you. This used to really bug me when I was pregnant, people, obviously being polite an trying to be helpful, giving me their seats and treating me like an invalid. If being pregnant made people unable to manage then so many women wouldn't get pregnant in the first place.

Fair enough, be polite, ask if they would like a seat, you might be surprised and find that quite a few pregnant women can still stand on their own 2 feet. If they couldn't why the heck have they been shopping or whatever they were doing before they got on that trian/bus !!!

Answer 9

I would always give up my seat for a pregnant woman! But you can't expect it as a right because being pregnant is not an illness and your body is perfectly capable of standing while pregnant. If you are tired and expect a seat for that reason then I am sorry to say that everyone else also feels tired when commuting and the selfish gene sets in.

Answer 10

You must just be really conscious of it because in my pregnancies I never really noticed it. Perhaps the odd person looking and kids especially will be curious but I found adults looked too towards the end. Kids just don't get that it's not nice to stare and makes people uncomfortable but at the same time they aren't staring because of something bad. Most little girls have a thing about babies. If you're self conscious it can be quite uncomfortable but people will also stare when you go out with a newborn. I know it's hard to cover a bump towards the end but there are ways to make it less obvious. Dark colours and loose fitting clothes help. Although the bump will still be obvious to you, that kind of thing avoids instantly drawing peoples eye to your bump and they're less likely to notice you just in passing.

Answer 11

Some people really don't care, you haven to remember that chances are they do this journey every day, day in day out, packed as the train is, 15 stops to and from work everyday. Chances are they are so obsessed with their own little world, they couldn't give a damn about you, or they haven't even noticed you - ir maybe it's just bad manners.
I recommend that you ask someoen if you could have their seat, and when they give it up (which they will) say loudlym Thank you so much, that is very kind of you, I wish there were more people like you and look at everyone else disapprovingly. People will give up their seat next time, you'll have them rushing to!