How can I be more polite on the train?

Question

I use the subway a lot to get around the city, and I always give up my seat for pregnant ladies and elder folks. Yesterday I saw an old man, white hair but practically bald, holding a bunch of shopping bags. I stood up and said, "Sir you could have my seat." and he looked at me funny and said no-thank-you. Ooops. Maybe he wasn't as old as I thought. I was just trying to be polite.

Older folks-- would you be offended if this happened to you?

Answer 1

I am sure most elderly people would appreciate it....apart from that you would also do the same for someone who was walking on crutches and not that old, right? So I guess he just didn't have far to go on the subway... not far enough to sit down... and it was polite of you to have asked... and he at least said..' No thank you''' some people if you give up your seat for them do seem to take offense... not men usually, women around 60... if the women are older they gladly accept but a lot of women in today's society at age 60 as they still go to work... don't want to admit to themselves or others that they may like to sit down... so they don't want to be reminded that they are getting older...a 70 year old woman would definitely say ''Thank you that's nice, dear''

Answer 2

I agree, it's never wrong to try to be nice.  Keep doing what you're doing!  Smiles are always cool, too.

Answer 3

I think it was very good of you to offer.  If someone chooses to decline, at least you did the right thing.

Answer 4

No, good for you to offer!

You weren't saying he was feeble and old by offering your seat.  You should offer your seat to anyone loaded up with shopping bags!!  Trust me, I've been that person riding the train with a week's worth of groceries...I would have paid someone to give me a seat.

You definitely did the right thing.  It sounds like you're doing pretty good.  I offer my seat to anyone with any disability, lots of bags, older or pregnant.  I'm 23, so I really don't NEED to sit, so anyone older than me is free to take my seat.  

Other than offering your seat, make sure you're not too loud on the train.   There's nothing more annoying than someone screaming into their phone, or yelling to their friends.  I usually just have people call me back if I'm on public transit...

You sound like a good seed.  Just keep doing as you're doing.

Answer 5

It is never offensive to be addressed by someone with kindness.  You did the right thing, even if the person refuses your generosity!