| One of the advantages, and there arent many, at having commuted on and off for 25+ yrs is that I have seen how people's attitudes have changed. When I started commuting, we, the gentlemen would get up for a lady, pregnant or not, gradually this has ceased. A short while ago, gentlemen and even some ladies would get up for a pregnant lady. Now this seems to have ceased too, despite there being notices above some seats that seated customers should give up their seats for less able people. I recall also when it was the norm for adults to insist that their children gave up their seats for other adults, able or not. I am now less able than I was after a slipped disc and find it difficult to stand for a long time, so I am afraid, once I have a seat I wouldnt give it up for someone else, unless they were older or less able than me. If however she was pregnant (and it was obvious) I would give my seat up, I have in fact asked others to do so when stood next to a pregnant lady (having asked her first if that would be ok). London Underground are now producing badges (saying I'm pregnant) so that people know rather than wonder if the woman concerned is just a little overweight.
It can be embarrasing to ask a woman if she would like your sest on account of being pregnant when she isnt. However I think it very sad that women are now seen as equals in all respects and courtesy has been replaced with selfishness. Yes I know some women are perfectly able to do what I can do physically, some more so, and yes I know they can open doors etc for themselves but you know its nice to be helped and to help. It isnt a sign of weakness, it is in fact the opposite, confident in your own self to allow someone to help you and feel good in themselves for doing it.
RANT OVER 2.
Too old fashioned for my own good I suppose.
Matt  |