Many people never realize that public transport is probably the best way to get around in a big city. It’s always on time, no traffic, you never get late. The only downside is that when so many people are in one place it’s inevitable that there will be at least one stupid person. Now, by stupid I mean people that are so irritating that will get every single drop of sanity from you and make you go crazy. Don’t worry tough, they can even drive a Buddhist monk crazy.
The only, kind of, working method is ignoring them so make sure you grab a news paper from the booth before you get in the train. But be prepared, some of them are really insolent, so make sure to give them a push or two when they invade your personal space, it works wonders for me.
It is pretty clear that you can’t get away from human stupidity, as Einstein has said “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.”
But what I want to talk about today is not dealing with stupid people because I feel that every one of us has developed it’s own system of doing that. I want to share with you what, for me, are the most important, etiquette related things you should do while riding that public transport, in order to look like a proper gentleman.
The first thing I really wan to talk about is how much space you take. I’ve seen people that take a seat for two, which by the way is the way you tell people “I’m an a**hole!”. One seat is the most you should take, however if you’re riding the train with like 5 other people, you can feel free to take up more space.
If you see a woman or an old man get up and give them a place to sit. Even for children you should get up and give them your seat. This will really make you look like a gentleman in the eyes of the people surrounding you. It really doesn’t matter, if you see someone that has a hard time riding the train while standing you offer them your seat. It’s also a great way to meet your next girlfriend, just make sure that old people, women with babies and kids are your priorities, leave the beautiful people last.
Don’t step on people’s shoes. There is really nothing more that drives me crazt then getting stepped on my shoes. I understand that there are times when it’s not on purpose, but you can at least say “sorry”! So, if you step on someone make sure to say sorry, not just play it like nothing happened.
And lastly don’t be that person who picks his nose or ears. I’ve seen older people doing it which is disgusting by itself, but what I’ve found out is that they don’t give a fuck anymore. But there are, believe me there are, 20 something guys that do it and it’s absolutely stomach turning .
So that’s it gentleman, now you have the basics for the public transportation tips.
See you on the next one…
– E. A.
