When giving up your seat for others is simply polite | Letters

Readers disagree with an article by Polly Hudson on giving up your place to people on public transportThe suggestion that young, fit people do not offer their seats on public transport to vulnerable people for fear of offending them is nonsense (Is anything more awkward – and potentially insulting – than giving up your seat on public transport?, 7 September). I was brought up to offer my seat to any woman (of whatever disposition) or elderly person as a matter of principle. In 60 years of doing so, I have never had other than a polite demurral – more usually acceptance.Now that the boot is on the other foot (for which I need a walking stick to maintain my balance), I find that about 30% of young people will instinctively offer me succour, which I gratefully and gracefully accept. The rest don’t seem to care. Continue reading...

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