What Is Proper Train Etiquette?
Don’t be that unmannerly train passenger. Make sure you have proper manners—and find out how to deal with those who don’t with these three tips.
Richie Frieman
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What Is Proper Train Etiquette?
The other day I received a text from my buddy Jason saying, “I’m on the train right now and you HAVE to do a MMG article on train etiquette–it’s like a freak show on here!”
That was his first text; the others–which I received about every five minutes–not only cracked me up, but also made me eager to tackle train etiquette.
How to Deal with Rude Train Passengers
In the classic movie, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” John Candy and Steve Martin take every means of transportation and nearly kill one another because of Candy’s very unmannerly behavior along the way. I think of that movie every time I hop on a train and see all kinds of rude behavior. So, are you one of those people other passengers shake their fists at? Find out with my three rules for proper train etiquette.
Tip #1: Use Your Inside Voice
In previous articles I’ve touched on people’s willingness to loudly share their phone conversations with everyone around them, but once again I’m shocked to see it on the train. I mean, at least when a person screams on the phone in a supermarket, you can quickly walk down a different aisle or even go outside. But on a train, you are trapped. And not only can’t you leave, you are sometimes so close to someone, you can smell what they had for lunch. Two hours ago.
So train passengers, please, do what your kindergarten teacher taught you and use your inside voice.
And what’s my tip if you are subjected to a loud passenger? Well, it might surprise some of you. And that’s because where I’d normally advise you to stand up and take mannerly action, this time I say remain quiet as a library.
Here’s the deal, when someone is so inconsiderate that they lose track of where they are, what they are doing, and who is watching them, there is nothing you can do. I don’t care who you are, if someone is so loud (and possibly angry) on the phone, you don’t want to confront them. It’s best to simply move your seat and if you can’t, try focusing really hard on your book or your phone like you were reading the secret of life.
The last thing you want to do is politely approach the person only to have him or her lash out at you and lead to a very unfortunate situation—for you and those around you.
Tip #2: Offer Up Your Seat
One of the rudest things people can do is not offer up their seats to someone who needs it more than they do. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on a train and seen a pregnant woman, an elderly person, someone with a disability, or a young child all stand while others sit and watch. I mean, what has the world come to? It’s even worse when able-bodied people are sitting in those seats reserved for disabled people and they still don’t get up. If this happens to you, get up!
If you witness such poor behavior, you can simply say, “I’m sorry, but I think you are sitting in the seats reserved for someone who may need one.” They hopefully will get the hint and offer it up. If they don’t, try again, “Would you mind offering that seat to him and you can have mine if you like?” You are pointing out that person’s lack of manners (which is needed) and also helping the person in need to get a seat. And hopefully they won’t take your offer and will instead realize they should be the one standing. If they don’t do either of these, then, it’s time for you to be the bigger person and offer your seat to the one in need.
Tip #3: Watch Your Hygiene
I’m sorry but hygiene is a big deal to me. I don’t mean everyone has to smell like roses 24/7, but for crying out loud, use some frickin’ deodorant.
If you come in contact with stinky passengers, you have to be very careful. For one, you can’t tell a stranger they smell; you can’t. A friend–yes. A stranger– no. There are only two things you can do. First, you can move. Or you can bury your nose in your shirt elementary-school style.
Secondly though, you can try this tip from my friend Nick. He was reading a magazine, when, as he says, “the world’s smelliest person” sat next to him. He said he nearly fell over. It was too crowded to move anywhere. Luckily, in the magazine he was reading he saw an ad for cologne with a sample. So, being a quick thinker, he says to the person, “Man, this is great smelling cologne! Smell this.” And so the guy did—and he liked it. Nick then says to the guy, “Would you like to try some?” The man said yes. And so Nick rips out the sample and the guy wipes it all over his shirt, with Nick directing him wear to put it. He said it worked—at least for the time being.
Bottom line people, make sure you smell good—or at least decent— when you leave the house.
Do you have a great story about an improper train passenger? Post them on my Modern Manners Guy Facebook page so we can all hear the details. As always, if you have another manners question, I’m look forward to hearing from you so drop me a line at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. As well, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT. And of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.
Train image courtesy of Shutterstock