Miss Manners is often asked to weigh in on the etiquette of public transportation. Recently, an 80-year-old woman shared her frustration with not being seated due to young people occupying seats reserved for seniors and people with disabilities.
While Miss Manners sympathizes with this sentiment, she advises approaching such situations with tact rather than sarcasm or criticism. What's more polite? Targeting a young, unencumbered passenger with a genuine expression of gratitude might work, but only if the senior is indeed eligible for those seats. However, not all disabilities are clearly visible, and some parents may struggle to manage strollers.
A better approach might be to try to find alternative seating arrangements or, if possible, request assistance from bus drivers in enforcing the rules. After all, it's unlikely that a young person would willingly give up their seat without being asked politely.
In another case, a community member has expressed outrage over a couple who are crowdfunding money for adoption costs after struggling with fertility issues. Miss Manners agrees that this approach is often disingenuous and may perpetuate negative stereotypes about those seeking help. Perhaps, instead of relying on online campaigns, the couple could explore local resources or financial assistance programs.
When it comes to raising funds, Miss Manners suggests that people should focus on supporting their own financial needs rather than expecting others to subsidize them. This can be a delicate balance, as many people face significant expenses, including childcare costs and medical bills.
In conclusion, when navigating the complexities of public transportation or addressing sensitive social issues like crowdfunding, it's essential to approach these situations with empathy, tact, and an understanding of the needs and perspectives involved.
While Miss Manners sympathizes with this sentiment, she advises approaching such situations with tact rather than sarcasm or criticism. What's more polite? Targeting a young, unencumbered passenger with a genuine expression of gratitude might work, but only if the senior is indeed eligible for those seats. However, not all disabilities are clearly visible, and some parents may struggle to manage strollers.
A better approach might be to try to find alternative seating arrangements or, if possible, request assistance from bus drivers in enforcing the rules. After all, it's unlikely that a young person would willingly give up their seat without being asked politely.
In another case, a community member has expressed outrage over a couple who are crowdfunding money for adoption costs after struggling with fertility issues. Miss Manners agrees that this approach is often disingenuous and may perpetuate negative stereotypes about those seeking help. Perhaps, instead of relying on online campaigns, the couple could explore local resources or financial assistance programs.
When it comes to raising funds, Miss Manners suggests that people should focus on supporting their own financial needs rather than expecting others to subsidize them. This can be a delicate balance, as many people face significant expenses, including childcare costs and medical bills.
In conclusion, when navigating the complexities of public transportation or addressing sensitive social issues like crowdfunding, it's essential to approach these situations with empathy, tact, and an understanding of the needs and perspectives involved.
... I mean, can't we just be considerate of each other? 
Those seats are meant to help people with disabilities and seniors too, so if someone's pushing their luck, they should ask politely instead of making a scene. And crowdfunding for adoption costs can come across as pretty entitled 
... it's like they're saying "we're doing you a favor by giving us your money" no thanks! 
Maybe they could try explaining their situation to local social services or non-profits?
my mom has a disability n she always gets stuck on the bus 2 bc ppl dont wanna move their butt n let her thru 
like wut if u hav a stroller or something? or maybe ur just tired n need a lil rest 
i think instead of bein all salty n sarcastic, we shd try 2 b more understanding n helpful 
like, ask the bus driver 2 remind ppl about those seats 
, but at the same time I can see how frustrating it must be when you're left out in the cold 
. I think Miss Manners has a good point about approaching these situations with tact, though - like, instead of yelling at someone for taking your seat, just politely ask to move or try to find another spot 
.
. Maybe they could look into local resources or financial assistance programs instead? That way everyone wins 
.
. And honestly, it's just basic human decency 
. I mean, what if someone in a stroller is actually a parent trying to manage their little one while navigating public transport? It's not always as black and white as just being "young" or "able-bodied". And crowdfunding campaigns can be super awkward - it feels like people are expecting the world to owe them a hand without having done their own research 
. Its not just about being polite or saying thanks, its about respecting others basic human rights. I mean, what if the senior is in pain and can't get up? Or whats to stop the person with the stroller from falling down on the floor because they got kicked out of their seat 
?! We need to start thinking about how our actions affect others, not just ourselves.
. We need to support each other and find solutions together, not rely on online pity parties 
I feel soooo bad for that 80-year-old woman who was basically shooed away by some young people taking up seats meant for seniors or folks with disabilities 
It's just not right, you know? They should be given priority and some respect, especially if they can't walk far anymore 
. Maybe a nice "excuse me" or a genuine "thank you so much" would work... but it's hard to forgive people who just sit down without even checking if they're eligible 
. But then again, not being able to spot someone in need of a seat just because they're not elderly or disabled isn't cool either 
On another note, crowdfunding for adoption costs is so on the nose... shouldn't people just check out local resources before hitting up strangers online? 
80-year-old woman is right to be frustrated, it's not like she's asking for much. Just seat next to someone who's not using the reserved seats, or maybe even offer her hand to help find another spot.