Train Etiquette

I am taking the local transit system to work to my new job. I've learned it is very much like Elevator Etiquette.

For the most part, it goes like this:

Walk full speed ahead, standing straight and tall, directly to the train platform.

Do not look directly at anyone, avoid eye contact at all costs.

Take the free Metro paper that the guy in the green pinney holds out to you.

Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

Once on the train, look out the window, at your book, or straight ahead, again avoiding eye contact and conversation with anyone.

If you are fortunate enough to get a seat, do not give it up for anything!

Approximately 10 seconds before your stop, you gather your crap and hustle to the door, step out and walk as quickly as possible to your vehicle or a waiting bus.

THAT is proper etiquette.

I've never been known for being a follower of rules, and goodness knows, no one in their right mind has ever called me proper.

So, this is how I journey to work every morning.

I look at EVERYONE. Partly because I'm just a people watcher, and partly because I'm just nosey.

I will talk to anyone. Partly because I don't like silence, and partly because I'm just nosey.

I NEVER take the free newspaper, but look him right IN THE EYE, smile and say "No thank you!". Because I'm a rebel.

I will make eye contact with someone getting on the train whom I think I should give my seat to, and then proceed to ASK them, aloud, if they would like my seat. I then give up my seat with a smile.

And usually, while I am walking among these people, being a watcher of course, I am reminded of the little soldier ants on an ant hill. I think we look very much like that. We all go in different directions, but it is an intricate dance. No one runs into each other, yet we manage to weave in and out without even a shoulder check, an excuse me or thank you.

It is really quite interesting to watch. I would love to see how we look from above.

In total, my commute to work is about 45 minutes. Until school is back in of course. After that, who knows!!! So I will treasure this "short" commute while I can.