It was a crowded morning on the LIRR. Once again, there were problems with the train and so as we proceeded through the stops, the cars quickly became standing room only.

A woman boarded the train at Jamaica. She was likely my contemporary (no, I won’t tell you exactly here) but she was walking with a cane. She came up the aisle right alongside where I was sitting.

I started to stand up to and offered her my seat. Very loudly, but respectfully and forcefully, she declined, saying so that everyone around could hear, “Thank you, but I won’t take your seat. Why is it always that a woman offers her seat and none of the men ever do?”

I was a little taken aback and honestly felt stuck. I was really uncomfortable sitting while this woman stood but she clearly was not taking my seat. After what seemed like an eternity, the man sitting behind me stood up and offered her his seat which she took.

I am not trying to make a statement here as to whether women or men are more likely to give up their seat for someone in need. I am sure that I have observed both. But it sure was an uncomfortable moment.

Just another day riding the LIRR.