Commuter Courtesy

Today was the first day someone gave up their seat for me on the train. For the last week or so I've been getting on the train, unzipping my coat and standing in front of any able bodied man I see. Occasionally I rub my belly "absent mindedly" waiting to see if he takes notice. It hasn't worked until today...way long into my commute. After the longest part of the ride in Queens I gave up, thinking probably my belly wasn't big enough to be noticed. But when I changed trains in the city I stood in front of a guy who looked at me and mouthed "are you pregnant? have my seat". I happily sat for the three stops to my job.

I've heard horror stories from other women who were like 20 months pregnant and sticking out 4 feet who had absolutely no one get up for them. Even some who were shoved out of the way by other people trying to get in the train. I personally haven't seen that happen, in fact I mostly see people on my train get up for the pregnant, elderly or disabled. I do it too, after I stare down any man in my view who is acting like they aren't going to get up. Seats are a hot commodity on the E and F trains. You get one, you don't want to move. Especially in the mornings. I actually avoid getting in a car if I see a pregnant or elderly person getting in so I won't have to loose a potential seat to them. But now I wonder, what will happen if there is just one seat left and it's between me and the old lady? Will I retreat? Maybe I would right now but in a few months a situation like that might get a little hairy.