Minh Tran
There’s a certain character to those who routinely offer their seat on public transport, don’t you think?
These generous souls seem to operate on a different level, a level that’s not just about the physical act of standing up and giving up your seat.
It’s deeper than that. It’s about empathy, compassion, and mindfulness – qualities that are often displayed in their unique behaviors.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these individuals. We’ll delve into the 7 unique behaviors commonly exhibited by people who always offer their seat on public transport.
Stay with me as we explore these traits and perhaps understand how they contribute to making our world a little better and kinder, one bus ride at a time.
1) They practice mindfulness
Have you noticed how some people are always more aware of their surroundings than others? They seem to always know when an elderly person has stepped onto the bus or when a pregnant woman is standing near them.
This isn’t a superpower. It’s mindfulness.
People who offer their seats on public transport are often mindful individuals. They are present in the moment and aware of their environment. They notice details that others may miss because they are engrossed in their phones or lost in their thoughts.
Mindfulness allows them to spot the needs of others and respond accordingly. It’s not just about giving up a seat; it’s about recognizing a need and choosing to meet it.
This behavior is not just kind; it’s also an act of respect for their fellow passengers. By being mindful, they not only make someone else’s journey more comfortable, but they also contribute to a more considerate and empathetic community on public transport.
2) They have a strong sense of empathy
As someone who consistently offers my seat on public transport, I can tell you that it stems from a deep sense of empathy.
I remember one particular day when I was taking the bus home after a long day at work. The bus was packed, and I was lucky enough to get a seat. A few stops later, a woman with a toddler and an overflowing grocery bag got on.
She was struggling to balance her child on one hip, the grocery bag on the other, and maintain her stability as the bus jostled along. People around her were engrossed in their own worlds, seemingly oblivious to her struggle.
I felt a pang in my heart. I knew what it was like to juggle too many things at once and how overwhelming it can be. So, I stood up and offered my seat to her. Her relieved smile told me it was the right thing to do.
Empathy isn’t just about understanding what someone else is going through. It’s about feeling their struggle as your own and taking action to alleviate it. And that’s what people who always offer their seat on public transport do – they empathize, and they act.
3) They possess a high degree of emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.
According to psychologist and author Daniel Goleman, EQ is a more significant predictor of success in life and work than IQ.
People who always offer their seat on public transport often have a high degree of emotional intelligence. They are attuned not only to their own feelings but also to the emotions of others. They can read body language and facial expressions well and understand the unspoken needs of those around them.
So when they see a tired parent with a restless child, an elderly person standing unsteadily, or a person with disabilities trying to balance themselves, they instinctively know that offering their seat can make a significant difference to that person’s journey.
This heightened sense of understanding others’ emotions is what sets them apart and makes them stand out as exceptionally considerate individuals.
4) They embody the spirit of kindness
There’s no denying it – offering your seat to someone else on public transport is an act of kindness. It’s about putting someone else’s comfort above your own, even if it means standing for the rest of your journey.
People who always offer their seat are essentially kind-hearted. They believe in the power of small gestures and know that a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
They don’t do it for recognition or praise; they do it because they genuinely care about the well-being of others. This spirit of kindness permeates their actions, making them not just better passengers but also better human beings.
Their simple act serves as a reminder that kindness doesn’t always have to be grand; sometimes, it’s as simple as offering your seat to someone who needs it more than you do.
5) They understand the concept of “paying it forward”
A few years ago, I found myself in a situation where I was on crutches for several weeks. Taking public transport was a challenge, and standing on a moving bus while juggling crutches was not just difficult, it was downright dangerous.
One day, as I was struggling to maintain my balance, a young man stood up and offered me his seat. That simple act of kindness made my journey safer and so much more comfortable.
Today, I’m no longer on crutches, but I remember that young man’s kindness every time I step onto a bus or a train. And every time I see someone who could use a seat more than I could, I offer mine.
I believe in paying it forward. The people who always offer their seat on public transport likely share this belief too.
They know that a gesture of kindness can create ripples that extend far beyond the immediate moment. Their actions are a testament to the power of paying it forward, one bus ride at a time.
6) They value respect for others
Respect is an integral part of any community, including the community of passengers on public transport. People who always offer their seat to others often have a deep-seated value for respect.
They understand that respect isn’t just about treating people politely; it’s about acknowledging their needs and doing what you can to meet them. Offering a seat to someone who needs it more is a practical way of showing respect.
This behavior goes beyond mere courtesy. It’s a demonstration of their belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and consideration, regardless of the circumstances.
By offering their seat, they are not just making someone’s journey more comfortable; they are also fostering an environment of respect and consideration on public transport.
7) They embody the philosophy of “do unto others”
At its core, the act of offering your seat on public transport to someone who needs it more is a manifestation of the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
People who consistently offer their seat understand this principle deeply. They put themselves in the shoes of others and act in a way that they would appreciate if the roles were reversed.
This principle guides their actions, not just on public transport, but also in other aspects of their lives. It’s about empathy, respect, and kindness – values that make our world a better place.
So, the next time you see someone offering their seat on public transport, know that you’re witnessing more than just a kind gesture. You’re seeing the Golden Rule in action.
Reflecting on the essence of kindness
The beauty of human behavior is in its diversity and depth.
As we’ve explored, people who make a habit of offering their seat on public transport often display a unique set of behaviors – mindfulness, empathy, high emotional intelligence, kindness, a penchant for paying it forward, respect for others, and living by the Golden Rule.
These behaviors are not necessarily exclusive to these individuals. They are qualities we can all strive to cultivate in our everyday interactions.
The simple act of offering a seat isn’t just a gesture; it’s a reflection of these deeper values. It’s an embodiment of empathy and kindness that transcends the confines of a bus or a train.
Remember, every act of kindness creates ripples that go beyond what we see. As Aesop once said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
So next time you find yourself on public transport, consider offering your seat to someone else. You might just make their day a little better and, in doing so, contribute to creating a kinder world.
