Seeking perspectives on MRT etiquette and empathy, are we too quick to judge?
Hey everyone, I’m looking to get some perspectives on how we view public transport etiquette here, specifically regarding the pressure around seats during peak hours.
I had a situation today where I suffered a minor concussion at work. On the outside, I look completely fine (no visible injuries or bandages). But internally, I was dealing with a lot of cognitive fog and intense dizziness, so standing on a moving train wasn't really a safe option for me.
I managed to get a seat on the way home, and just to be clear, it was a regular seat, not a reserved one. Even so, because it was peak hour and I look relatively young, I noticed a lot of passive-aggressive staring from a few standing older commuters nearby. I lacked the mental energy or focus to say anything, but it got me thinking about how we approach these situations.
Obviously, giving up a seat for someone who needs it is a kind gesture, but it feels like the default mindset on our trains is often one of immediate suspicion or judgment if a younger person stays seated. We don't always know what someone is dealing with, whether it's chronic pain, an invisible injury, or extreme exhaustion.
How do you guys navigate this on your daily commute? For those who stand, do you find yourself automatically expecting younger people to stand up, or do you tend to give people the benefit of the doubt? And for anyone who has had to use a seat due to an invisible illness or injury, how do you handle that unspoken social pressure without feeling like you have to publicly justify your medical state?