5 days ago
I'm 100% guilty of the ‘selfish train trend' everyone's moaning about – call me a nightmare commuter, I'll never change
MOANS about 'selfish' train habits have been doing the round on social media, and while I'm sure they're meant to embarrass me into changing, it's not going to happen.
I've lived in London for 10 years, and before that grew up just outside the city, so I'm well aware of the courtesy rules we have here and across many other parts of the UK.
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But there are many that I refuse to follow, and I don't feel bad about it one bit.
Commuting has never been the most comfortable way to get around, but with TfL prices going up each year, I do my best to make sure I am comfortable.
I'm not opposed to pushing my way to a seat on a crowded train and I'm not that fussed if it was 'your turn' to sit down.
We're in the city, you gotta be quick or someone will take it (like me).
And I won't just take up one seat, my bag will need one too.
I know it's infuriating for some, but I'm just not about to put my heavy work bag on my lap for the next 30 minutes.
Plus, I really don't want you to sit next to me.
Not only is the bag meant to dissuade you from invading my personal space, but I make sure to avoid eye contact when the doors open and fresh passengers scurry on, so people know I'm not inviting you to sit down.
And guess what? I don't have any regrets.
While my bag might annoy the finance boys and builders getting the early bus with me, your manspreading drives me up the wall.
There has never been a time I've sat next to a strange man and he hasn't immediately squashed me into a corner. And if I can provide some sort of barrier from it, I will.
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The Selfish Travel Trend Annoying Public Transport Users Everywhere
Once I get on that seat and make myself comfortable, you best believe I'm grabbing food out of my bag and eating it.
Recently, while rushing to get to a friend's party, I grabbed a delicious, yet messy, sausage roll from Greggs to keep me from passing out in the 30 degrees heat.
As always, I was running too late to eat in, so I got a takeaway then pulled it out once I'd got myself the best seat on the Tube (the one next to the clear screen so you don't have to fight for arm rests, if you must know).
But as I looked up from taking a large bite I made eye contact with the woman opposite, who rolled her eyes in disgust.
At first, I thought it must have been the bite size she was sickened by, but as I looked around the packed carriage I realised everyone was giving me a dirty look - all because I ate a humble sausage roll with them nearby.
I could sense the anger, the twitching eyes and the sniffs of disdain, but I didn't stop, it's my train too.
I agree it's not the easiest food to chomp down without making a mess but I'd already committed to it.
When I got up for my station, I let the flaky pastry crumbs fall beside me like a bride walking through confetti (although my wedding guests weren't as happy.)
I'm sure you'll be shocked to know it's not the only etiquette rule I like to break on public transport either.
While I'm not quite vulgar enough to listen to my phone aloud, I have on more than one occasion been told to turn my volume down - even with headphones on.
Listening to your phone aloud, also known as bare beating, is so annoying to London commuters that 34% support fines for doing it on transport, according to a YouGov poll.
The thing is, I'm sure the people moaning are just jealous I'm able to tune out the screaming children.
While you're listening to them whine and shout, I've got Taylor Swift blasting in my ears.
And I'm also not about queuing to get on, whether its the Tube or the bus.
I have taken the time over many years to know exactly where the doors open and hold my spot accordingly, you should have done the same.
So yes, you can call me selfish, you can call me rude, and you can title me the worst commuter, but I still won't change.
