Shocking Behavior: Woman Refuses to Give Up Seat for Elderly Man, Preferring Her Bag Instead - See Why!

In an age where common courtesy and respect seem to be dwindling, an incident on a Melbourne train has left many questioning the state of our societal values. As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we've seen our fair share of changes in etiquette over the years, but this story might just take the cake.


During what was supposed to be a delightful family trip to Melbourne to celebrate the school holidays, a mother from country Victoria witnessed a scene that left her—and likely many of you—disheartened. The joy of introducing her children to the wonders of the big city was marred by an encounter that raises questions about the lessons we're imparting to the younger generation.


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A mum refused to give a senior man a seat as her bag occupied the remaining vacant seat. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Zhukovvvlad


The incident unfolded when an elderly man, with hair as grey as the wisdom he surely possessed, approached a quad of seats on the train. His gentle smile and polite demeanor were met with a cold response from a woman who was seated with her two teenagers. The fourth seat, which should have been available for the gentleman, was occupied by the woman's bag.


When the man, who appeared to be in his early 80s, kindly pointed out that he believed the seat to be his, the woman insisted it was reserved for her husband. However, upon the arrival of the conductor and the revelation of double-booked tickets, it became clear that the woman's husband was not even on the train. Her insistence on keeping the seat for her bag rather than offering it to the elderly man was not only shocking but also a sad commentary on the priorities some hold today.

The conductor eventually resolved the situation, but not without the woman begrudgingly moving her bag and the old man feeling compelled to apologize for the inconvenience. This display of selfishness unfolded before the eyes of three young children, who watched with wide-eyed innocence as the values of compassion and respect were seemingly tossed aside.

It's a scenario that begs us to ask ourselves: When did material possessions start to outweigh human comfort and dignity? Where has our sense of community gone? It's crucial to remember that the actions we take and the behaviors we exhibit serve as lessons to those around us, especially impressionable young minds.


Fortunately, not all hope was lost. The mother's faith in humanity was partially restored when a young woman offered to help her with her pram and suitcase later that day. It's these small acts of kindness that can make a world of difference and remind us that there is still good in the world.

As we reflect on this story, let's consider how we can be the change we wish to see. Whether it's offering a seat to someone in need, helping a stranger with their groceries, or simply greeting someone with a smile, these gestures of goodwill are the threads that weave the fabric of a caring community.
Key Takeaways

  • An incident on a Melbourne train involved a woman refusing to give up a seat, which was double-booked, for an elderly man, as she claimed it was reserved for her husband who was not on the train.
  • The woman required the extra seat for her handbag despite the old man having a ticket for that specific seat.
  • The conductor intervened and confirmed the seat was double-booked but ultimately the elderly man was given the seat, while the woman begrudgingly moved her bag.
  • The author reflects on the moral implications of the event and discusses the importance of respect for the elderly and basic humanity, particularly in front of her children.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you encountered similar situations where you've had to stand up for what's right? Or perhaps you've been on the receiving end of a random act of kindness that restored your faith in humanity? Let's open up the conversation and remind each other of the importance of compassion and respect in our daily lives.
 
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When my grandchildren are with me and we are out and about on public transport, one of them is always made to get up and give a seat to someone who may need it. The one that gets up will sit on my lap but I never make them both get up. A couple of yrs back on a train when both of the grandkids gave up their seats, my youngest grandchild was pushed quite violently by an adult and he ended up with a black eye after falling into a seat handle. In today's society I would never allow my grandchild to sit on the lap of a complete stranger as you have no idea who or what that person my be. I trust no one with the lives of my grandchildren when they are in my care.
 
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How rude to place your bag on a vacant seat and begrudge a senior citizen or person a seat. I brought my children and their children up to always offer their seat if an adult was standing and they then had the choice of standing or sitting on my knee. There is no respect these days !!!!!!!!
 
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I remember when I was nine months pregnant and had to get a bus home from the hospital where I'd just seen my doctor, to get my things and go back to be admitted The bus was crowded with people standing. No one offered me a seat, then the conductor made someone get up. That was in 1973, so things haven't changed!
 

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