I live in the Detroit area, so getting onto any mode of shared public transportaion is a rarity. But when I used to work at a large office complex and we had to be shuttled to our main building from our parking garage, I often faced a daily dilemma. As a guy walking onto the 20+ seater shuttle bus, it was always hard to know where to sit. These were the thoughts running through my head...
- if I sit by a young woman, (especially an attractive one), she might think I'm trying to pick her up, so she might not be comfortable, and then I'm not comfortable
- if I sit by a guy, he might think I'm gay, similar to the situation at a urinal; (not that there's anything wrong with being gay)
- if I sit way in the back, people with empty seats next to them might be offended that I did not sit next to them
It was easiest if the bus was empty, just one seat was remaining, or if I just walked. Public transportation can be such a pain. Or, maybe I just think to much.
+ Atul
Here in Chi-town I take the train to work every day... and I'm just thankful when there are ANY seats to sit in, whether it's next to a Catherine Deneuve look-alike or a filthy homeless guy...
Posted by: Stephen V. Funk | May 04, 2006 at 08:23 PM
True, in many places where public transportation is popular, just having any seat is a bonus. It just goes to show that having a choice can make life more difficult while not having a choice can make it easier.
Posted by: Atul | May 05, 2006 at 01:55 AM