Redditors Applaud This Teenager For Not Giving Up Her Seat To A Pregnant Woman

Have you ever given up a seat for someone you don't know and felt the need to do so? Or have you been asked by others to offer your seat?

To ensure the safety of passengers or commuters, public transportation vehicles like buses, trains, and others have priority and courtesy seats intended for people such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities or injuries. This is also to provide equal access and comfort for every individual who needs priority and courtesy seats.

These seats can be used by any passenger, but they must vacate the seat when there is another passenger who needs it. However, when the person sitting in a priority seat belongs to the intended group, he or she is not required to give it up.

On the other hand, there are definitely cases where people do not give up their seats when asked. In these instances, no one can force them, not even the driver or the operator.

Considering the varying degrees of disabilities and injuries, it is important to understand that there are situations when people do not feel comfortable discussing their circumstances in public. They sometimes choose to remain silent when asked why they wouldn't vacate their seats.

Instead of arguing, try to find another seat since public transit follows a first-come, first-served basis. Since other passengers have also paid a fare, they are not expected to make room for others.

1. The pregnant woman versus the injured teenager.

The anonymous woman with the username u/supportiswelcome posted about her experience on Reddit, where it went viral. Many of those who joined the discussion are people with disabilities who have shared similar experiences regarding riding public transportation vehicles.

The post gathered 17.2K upvotes and 2.2K comments, with many praising the injured teenager for standing up for herself against those entitled adults. Aside from the pregnant woman, other passengers also made her feel bad, so she asked Redditors if she was wrong for her actions.

Reddit/Supportiswelcome

2. How OP became the perfect candidate to give up her seat.

Reddit/Supportiswelcome

3. OP "showed" why she can't vacate her seat instead of arguing with the pregnant woman.

Reddit/Supportiswelcome

The decision not to give up a seat for a pregnant woman reflects complex social dynamics. According to research published in the Journal of Social Issues, individuals often weigh their moral obligations against personal convenience in public settings. This phenomenon is closely related to the concept of altruism, which is defined as selfless concern for the well-being of others. In high-pressure environments like public transportation, the immediacy of personal comfort can overshadow altruistic impulses, leading to decisions that may seem unkind or inconsiderate.

Furthermore, the psychological state of the commuter can significantly influence their actions. Studies show that stress levels and cognitive load can diminish empathy and pro-social behaviors, making it harder for individuals to respond to the needs of others.

4. If they were so concerned, they should be the ones giving up their seats.

Reddit/AnselaJonla

5. It's definitely not you.

Reddit/kookie___luvbts

6. The best way is to just ignore them.

Reddit/No-Nefariousness4412

Social norms play a crucial role in guiding behavior on public transportation. A social psychologist from Harvard notes that societal expectations can dictate who is seen as deserving of special treatment. Research indicates that when individuals perceive a lack of consensus on social norms – such as whether or not to give up a seat – they may hesitate to act, fearing social backlash or judgment from peers. This aligns with the concept of the bystander effect, where the presence of others leads to a diffusion of responsibility, making individuals less likely to help.

To mitigate these challenges, fostering a culture of mutual respect and empathy within public spaces is essential. Educational campaigns that emphasize the importance of giving up seats, especially in crowded settings, can encourage individuals to override their hesitations and act with kindness.

7. It would

Reddit/loudent2

8. "The pregnant lady was entitled, rude, and dismissive AH."

Reddit/bists

9. Don't listen to those people.

Reddit/peachriings

The psychological principle of cognitive dissonance may also be at play in this scenario. When our actions contradict our values or beliefs – for instance, if a commuter values kindness but chooses not to give up a seat – it creates discomfort. This dissonance can lead individuals to rationalize their choices, often justifying a lack of action by focusing on personal inconveniences or perceived entitlement. A study published in Psychological Science highlights how this rationalization process can be a coping mechanism to maintain self-esteem in the face of conflicting social expectations.

Encouraging commuters to reflect on their values and the impact of their decisions on others may help reduce cognitive dissonance and promote more compassionate behaviors in crowded environments.

10. They are just unbelievable.

Reddit/Illustrious_Age8289

11. She got what she deserved.

Reddit/einat162

12. This:

Reddit/Leolioness87

Understanding the underlying motivations for why people do or do not offer their seats can also be informed by attachment theory. This psychological framework, often discussed in developmental psychology, posits that our early relationships shape our responses to social situations throughout life. A clinical psychologist points out that individuals with secure attachments are more likely to exhibit empathetic behaviors, such as offering their seat, because they feel comfortable in social interactions and are attuned to the needs of others.

Conversely, those with anxious or avoidant attachment styles may struggle to prioritize the needs of others, often feeling overwhelmed in social settings. Interventions aimed at enhancing emotional intelligence and fostering secure attachments could be beneficial in promoting more compassionate behavior in public spaces.

13. Volunteering is free. They should do it.

Reddit/AllyMarie93

14. Try to pretend to be asleep so people won't bother you.

Reddit/Influence-Background

15. It is reasonable.

Reddit/AmazingPreference955

Research on empathy further elucidates the complexities of this scenario. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, can be significantly impacted by situational factors. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "In crowded or stressful environments, our instinct is often to prioritize our own comfort, which can lead to a decrease in empathetic responses." This is particularly relevant in public transportation scenarios where personal space is limited and discomfort is high, as highlighted on her website drramani.com. To encourage greater empathy in such environments, interventions that promote mindfulness and stress reduction could help individuals cultivate a more empathetic mindset, leading to more considerate actions, such as giving up a seat when needed.

16. She could have asked someone else.

Reddit/lisaliselisa

17. You can ask, but you can't yell at someone for not giving up their seats.

Reddit/KahlanEAmnelle

18. "Sometimes people can see facts and still won't believe the truth simply because they don't like being wrong."

Reddit/Usual-Worry8412

Practically speaking, fostering a culture of kindness in public transportation systems could involve implementing 'kindness campaigns.' These initiatives can include signs reminding commuters of the importance of prioritizing vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women or the elderly. A study from Nature Human Behaviour suggests that visible reminders can significantly enhance pro-social behavior by increasing awareness and social responsibility among individuals in shared spaces.

Additionally, engaging community leaders in promoting these values can create a ripple effect, encouraging more people to adopt considerate behaviors in public transport settings.

19. "You said no with a valid reason."

Reddit/eldarwen9999

20. The pregnant woman was way out of line and demanding.

Reddit/cocoapeeble

21. The adults should have known better.

Reddit/Apotheuncary

Moreover, understanding situational factors that might deter someone from giving up their seat requires a closer look at psychological reactance. This principle, which suggests that people may resist perceived restrictions on their freedom, can explain why some individuals might refuse to give up their seat, feeling it impinges on their personal rights. A behavioral psychologist explains that when individuals perceive a social expectation as a demand, they may react defensively, even if it contradicts their personal values.

Encouraging voluntary acts of kindness, rather than framing them as societal obligations, can empower individuals and reduce reactance, fostering a more generous spirit in crowded environments.

22. They should have

Reddit/TassieBorn

23. Those passengers try hard to make you look bad.

Reddit/Glittering-War-5748

The teenage passenger deserves to feel comfortable while riding public transit since she also paid for her ride like everyone else. It is not right to target someone just because they are younger.

Since giving up a seat depends on the person being asked, approaching them nicely would increase the possibility that they might vacate their seat for you. This serves as a lesson to everyone to always be kind and polite; it's always free.

Psychological Analysis

This situation highlights the complexity of human behavior in public spaces. We often balance our sense of duty and personal comfort, especially in high-pressure environments like public transportation. Our stress levels and cognitive load can impact our empathy and willingness to help others. Furthermore, societal norms and the bystander effect can cause hesitation out of fear of judgment. Ultimately, promoting empathy and understanding can help foster more considerate behaviors.

Analysis generated by AI

Building Healthier Patterns

In conclusion, the dynamics at play in scenarios where individuals choose not to give up their seats are multidimensional, involving social norms, empathy, cognitive dissonance, and individual psychological profiles. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, states, "Empathy is a skill that can be cultivated through awareness and practice," emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of kindness. According to Dr. Durvasula, understanding the underlying motivations behind our actions is integral to cultivating a more compassionate society. By implementing educational initiatives and community engagement, we can encourage more considerate behaviors in public transportation, ultimately creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.