Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Chivalry is alive!! (Sort of...)

Aw, the trials and tribulations of commuting on public transportation. While I know that I've been complaining my BART commute a LOT throughout my pregnancy, I seem to have left all my complaints out of my blog!

The summary is... that over the past several months, I've had a tough time finding thoughtful people on the train who see a tired looking pregnant woman (me!) and want to give up their seat.

However, I have two great stories to share from the past week!!

Late last week... I was standing... waiting for a seat to open up. A nice young woman, about my age, who is also standing, sees me and asks if I need a seat. I told her that I was just waiting for one to open up. She immediately turns to a well dress man in his early 50's sitting in the handicap seats (which are clearly labeled for elderly, disabled or pregnant people)... and asked him if he could please stand up as "this nice young lady is pregnant and needs a seat." He (unwillingly) stood up and offered me his seat! YEAH for nice women who see a fellow female in need!!! I will admit, I was embarrassed... I could have stood... but I was very flattered that that woman would go out of her way for me! So, of course I took the seat!

Earlier this week... I was boarding a train out of SF that (amazingly) still had some empty seats left. But I was at the end of the line... and as I was finally getting in the train doors... I looked around and all the seats were taken... all but ONE that is. A very nice gentleman toward the middle of the train tossed his briefcase in a seat (before someone else could take it)... turned straight to me and said "Here you go miss... I saved you a seat. If anyone needs one... you do!" Awwww... is that guy married!?! His wife is one lucky lady!!!

8 comments:

Topanga said...

Alison don't kid yourself about needing a seat. You may not feel like you have to have one but your body may. I have had some friends actually pass out because they thought that they didn't HAVE to have a seat. So, take it easy on yourself and your body. :)

CHarris said...

Those are great stories! I remember being pregnant in SF and being AMAZED at how rude people were on the Muni for the same reason. I can't tell you how many days I stood 8 months pregnant - RUDE!!

Enjoy it now when it DOES happen - because in two months it won't happen and you'll be pissed for a brief second until you realize you aren't pregnant anymore. ;-)

Shelly C. said...

That's awesome! At some future date, I'm sure you'll "pay it forward" if you see someone who needs a seat, and think of how good it will make you feel.

:)

Taking Flight said...

Sooo refreshing to hear these stories. You deserve a nice comfy seat for the long commute!

Anonymous said...

I have dreams of being the nice woman in your first example. I really need to be more ballsy and take control when I see a situation like that. I'm so glad you've been having some nice experiences on BART lately - it does wonders for your image of humanity!

Erin said...

It's good to hear some people still have some respect!!!

Suzanne said...

I actually teared up once when someone offered me a seat (darn pg hormones!) He was way in the middle of the car, when there were plenty of businessmen in the disabled seats who should have offered first! I couldn't believe how clueless the vast majority of riders are!

Mrs. Matt said...

What a sweet story!!! I soooo needed to hear that there are still people like that in the world!!!!