If you are a commuter, like me, you probably go through this experience multiple times a day. The goal is to get from place A to place B as quickly and as comfortable as possible. If you have a friend or co-worker with you, I applaud you. However the majority of daily commuters do it solo, resulting in a daily dilemma, what do I look at?
If you have reading material, problem solved, this rant does not relate to you. You are sitting or standing on the train and you have a decision to make, what do I do with my eyes? A popular choice is look at the floor, but you can only do this for so long before you begin to feel uncomfortable with yourself. I'm not depressed, I'm not a loser why the hell am I looking at the floor. To alleviate the situation the occasion look around the cabin or look up at the subway map will buy you some time.
If you get a window seat, you my friend have it made, you have nothing to worry about, and you enjoy your view and your ride to your destination. However, if your train is underground your window becomes a mirror. The worst is when you just stare into this mirror to make sure you look ok before work or wherever you are going. The awkwardness kicks in when this mirror becomes the community mirror. When there are multiple people next to you and you all are looking at the mirror. Golden rule: If you look at their eyes in the mirror they will see yours, awkward situation.
To all the rest who feel comfortable staring at people on public transportation, you are most likely not born in the US or have no awkward gene in your body, I envy you. I have traveled to many parts of the world and staring is not only common on public transportation it is encouraged and culturally accepted. Having grown up in New England, the personal bubble and breathing room come with the social security number.
That is all,
Happy Commuting!
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