So yeah, people who ain't got a car YET, or an incident occurred which resulted in you having to utilise TFL (Transport For London) or you USED to travel on the buses or trains, then you'll know a little about the PAIN of certain peoples behaviour on public transport. People just aren't aware. People just don't care. People are just URGH. And I'm sorry I cannot wait for the day that I get a car, because I've had it up to here *points above forehead*. Common sense is thrown out of the windows of buses and out of the doors on trains. I just wish I was able to implement some rules to TFL so that they can spread the word, I think if these rules that I am about to lay out to you, were followed, TFL would be a happier service to use. So I have 10 main ones:
1. PUT A KICK IN YOUR STEP! : I mean, like, I don't really understand how people can walk SO SLOW...unless you're on the beach having a stroll or just going for a walk. BUT if you're not doing that, WHY THE HECK ARE YOU WALKING SLOWER THAN A SNAIL? ESPECIALLY, in a crowded area! I think it's just ridiculous. CLEARLY, you are not the only person walking on the pavement, there are plenty of people in front of you and behind you trying to get to their destinations on time, but then there's you causing traffic on the pavement, like for real? -___-
I've had friends and family come up to me saying I walk too fast; my Mum told me I've walked fast ever since I was in nappies...but I walk fast BECAUSE I'm trying to dodge the snails of today. I despise walking behind people that think time has been paused for them. If it has for you, I'm happy for you, but it hasn't for me, so can you kindly PUT A KICK IN YOUR STEP. Tenk yewww.
2. DON'T SUFFOCATE ME! : You know when you get on the bus or the train and you find a spot that's empty and at your own comfort, and you just want to sit in peace...BUT then one annoying person comes and feels the need for their luggage and whatever their wearing has to invade your space like it doesn't matter, like you're invisible or you're part of the seat. NO SWEETY, it doesn't work like that...I have my space, you have your space; nobody asked you to bring millions on to the bus, it's not my fault you don't know how to handle your things, don't take it out on me, make it work, that you have your space, I have mine and everyone will be happy. And if I flinch, because you decided to swing your bag on my arm, don't you dare give me a look of disapproval, YOU'RE IN THE WRONG, NOT ME. I am not your armrest, so give me some breathing space!
3. AM I SOME KIND OF TOURIST ATTRACTION? : Why do some people have a habit of staring? Like it was sort of discreet before, but now it's like some staring competition, I don't understand. Unless you know me or I gave you permission to stare at me, I don't see any other reason as to why you're blatantly staring at me? It's like a hobby for some and they don't realise it can be disrespectful and feel uneasy. Like do I have a sign on my forehead saying 'STARE' or was I made a tourist attraction all of a sudden? It really erks me when people stare, so I make it clear that I know you're staring at me and give 'em a taste of their own medicine...they know to look away!
4. NOW I KNOW YOU AIN'T BLIND... : People that are not aware of their surroundings AT ALLLLL! Their eyes don't lead them anymore, they use their feet first, eyes second, if at all. If I'm wearing a brand new pair of boots, OBVIOUSLY I'm not going to be a happy bunny, if you step on them carelessly! Your eyes were put there for a reason, utilise them well well! That way, we will avoid the consequences that may occur. If you have a big rucksack on your back and you can SEE that the bus isn't exactly empty and there are people behind you...before you attempt to move, take your humongous rucksack off, before you knock people out with it! Simple things like this, just need a little thought you know, if you think first, no ones shoe will be stepped on, no ones eye will get poked out, and everyone will leave the bus or train without any injuries.
5. SORRY, I didn't hear a PLEASE or a THANK YOU! : Having manners has become old-fashioned hasn't it? I can't remember the last time I heard SORRY, PLEASE or THANK YOU. You get barged on the bus and not a single sorry is announced, your bag is on the seat next to you and someone comes and looks at you like you've committed a crime, it just means 'move your bag so I can sit down' with out the 'excuse me please'; you move out the way for someone who's been signalling that they want to get through and there's no thank you afterwards. I just find it rude. It's common courtesy and respectful to use these terms every now and then, but hey that's life I guess.
6. I DON'T REMEMBER ASKING TO SHARE YOUR GERMS... : I really don't think it's asking for much, if you're told to cover your mouth when you cough. I've witnessed certain people who actually don't care and cough into the air like it's nothing. If you're sitting next to people on the train or the bus, it's common courtesy to COVER your mouth when you're coughing or sneezing, don't nobody want to share your germs. Like be considerate of others around you, especially if there are children around you.
7. SO I NOW KNOW WHAT YOUR LIFE'S ALL ABOUT... : There is ALWAYS that ONE person...or two, who feel that EVERYONE on the bus or train wants to know their conversation on the phone. Like they might as well use a megaphone! You're speaking on the phone...why must you shout too? I feel as though I'm part of the conversation and I have a say too. I'm sure the person on the other end can hear you pretty well, if not, text them! Sometimes, I don't think they're even aware that they're shouting, but at the end of the conversation, I'm sure everyone now knows where you live, who you're married to, who you're angry at, what you plan on doing about it, where you're going now and where you're going tomorrow...ridiculous.
8. I'M NOT A FAN. : You know them young ones that come on and decide that this bus or train is their home, so therefore, they'll dash their headphones and play music OUT LOUD? So annoying. Like who told you that I'm a fan? Who told you I like listening to that type of music? Especially if there are children about and the music you're playing has profanity? AND I'm sure you can READ the sign that says 'Don't play music OUT LOUD!' What makes you any different from the rest of the people on the bus or train? I'd like to know.
9. AM I BOTHERED? : Ok, so it's not a big deal and it's not rude, but you know you get those people who LOVE to talk? Give them a little smile and they assume you want to have a conversation. I'm sure my mum had a reason when she told me not to speak to strangers...I choose to obey thank you. When I get the bus or train, I like to sit there in peace, no disturbances whatsoever and that's why you see headphones in my ears. Some people just don't get it -_-
10. NOISE MUCH? : I love children BUT some of them are not exactly pleasant to be around with on the bus or train. Yes children are playful, but my can they get noisy. I was on the bus one time, and two women came on the bus with their kids; think school had finished and the way these children ran on the bus screaming and knocking things over and that. You'd think their mothers would calm them down and tell them to sit down and what not...nope. They gave them sugar-coated donuts instead. Yeah let's add to the hyper-active behaviour *sigh* I felt like I was in the nursery, not on the bus! I think people should avoid getting on the bus between 3 and 4pm, that's usually when school finishes and when you're more likely to get a headache.
All of this together is a TFL NIGHTMARE.
