Commute

Man, people are really grouchy on these commuter trains. Not only that, but they have approximately zero manners. I have since sworn to curb all loud gum-chewing, lower the volume on my Mp3 player, and avoid talking on the phone unless absolutely necessary. Nonetheless, while I go OUT OF MY WAY to be as polite as possible, I still get the occasional asshole making me feel like I'M doing something wrong. Take today, for instance: I'm squeezed into a 3-seater like usual between two men. I hardly pay attention to the seats around me when I'm on the train because I'm either engrossed in a book or sleeping. So naturally I don't notice when seats around me empty out as the ride progresses. I'm one stop away from my station when the man in the window seat next to me glances around anxiously and turns to me saying in an irritated & exasperated tone, "Well, I guess ONE of us should get out as there are plenty of empty seats around." Then looks at me pointedly as though I should be one of these people. Meanwhile, I had just awoken from a nap and was getting out at the next stop anyway, which btw is only one more stop away from THE END OF THE LINE. Yes, it's unpleasant being squeezed in, but he could have simply excused himself and gotten out of the seat OR patiently waited like a normal person until the last stop, which was coming up shortly. Instead, he expects one of us (me or the man in the aisle seat) to take the initiative when we are completely content staying where we are. I swear, some people just do not know how to talk to other humans.

Pardon the rant, suburban commuters suck, which is why I plan on not being one for much longer. I'll just have the sunny subway commuters to deal with...