It's funny how when I was pregnant, few people would give up their seats for me. I would say, out of 10, maybe 3 or 4 would give up their seats.
And ever since DD was born, whenever we get on the train with stroller or just me carrying her, I'm telling you, it is almost a 100% hit. Out of 10, 9 would automatically give up their seats when they see me with my DD. But I will usually reject their offers politely, because DD wants to be a monkey, if you know what I mean.
Amazing. Really amazing. And those people were from all races and nationalities, all ages. I am impressed. I guess that there is still some graciousness in our people. But I can't say the same for the bus rides.
Anyways, I was baffled by the stark contrast I'm seeing with being pregnant and with a live child. I begin to wonder why I wasn't offered as many times a seat when I was pregnant, and I just thought of a possible reason just now!
Ok. I'm thinking, those people(those who have never been pregnant) must have thought that since I have a child in my arms, I wouldn't have any spare hands to grab on to the poles or hoops, and for pregnant ladies, the baby is INSIDE the tummy and hence, they have got free hands! Yeah, I think this reason is very likely possible to be the one. But then, I would like to clarify some things here, and that is being pregnant is actually very troublesome and very heavy and the back and the legs hurt really badly for certain ladies. So they deserve the seats as much as those people with children or elderly or disabled people. And the thing is, which I think many fail to realize is that it is potentially more life-threatening if the pregnant ones were to fall. Think two lives.
Anyways, I am very thankful to those commuters who voluntarily give up their seats to me and DD. You know, some of them were so swift in their movements that I was being offered the seat even though I just step foot into the cabin. Lovely people. Of course for me, I don't normally want a seat unless it is going to be a long journey, even with my little one.
To the commuters, give up your seats whenever possible to people who needed them.
To those being offered, smile and thank them! They don't owe you a living you know.
