HURRAH for Madam Toh Peck Yin for her Tuesday's letter, 'Transport courtesy' (below). She sounds just the sort of friendly and polite senior citizen a youngster feels comfortable offering a seat to. I am usually offered a seat and, Madam Toh is correct, a kind gesture deserves a smile and a 'thank you'.
May I pass on to Madam Toh something my students told me: They are embarrassed if the offer is declined and they have to sit down again. So even if your trip is short, please accept the seat. I agree it can be a bit of a nuisance to pop up soon after you have sat down, but let us seniors give priority to the feelings of these kind and well-brought-up young folk.
The 'starers and glarers' are not offered seats because their looks freeze the good manners of anyone around - they look as if they might refuse an offer. Worse, some even glare at the youngster for thinking they look old enough to need a seat (it has happened).
On the issue of travel courtesy, let us remember the old fable. It was the warm sun and not the cold wind that got the man to take off his coat.
Ann Wee (Mrs)
Transport courtesy: No glare necessary
'To these considerate commuters, my heartfelt thanks. You never know what another person is going through, and an act of kindness may be what he needs to lift his spirits.'
MADAM TOH PECK YIN: 'I am sorry Ms Beverly Pasqual ('Civic priorities', Feb 4) and Mr Brian Christmass ('Foreign observations', Feb 4) found Singaporeans less than courteous. My experience as a senior citizen is the opposite. Students and adults, male and female, give up their seats for me on the bus or train.
No glare or stare from me is necessary to prod them to feel guilty, in order to give up their seats. Sometimes, I accept gratefully when my journey is long, or I decline with thanks because my trip is short.
To these considerate commuters, my heartfelt thanks. Such acts can help to brighten up another person's day. You never know what another person is going through, and an act of kindness may be what he needs to lift his spirits.'
