The Return Of Mechasmack

Today on the train I had to deal with the pregnant woman dilemma.

What's the pregnant woman dilemma? Well, that's when a pregnant woman boards the train and there are no seats available and she's standing near you. This situation becomes a dilemma in one of two ways:

1) The woman isn't really pregnant. Her coat is puffed out for some reason or she's just got a big belly or just looks pregnant for some reason. Having almost made the mistake of asking someone if they're pregnant when they're not, I'm always a bit cautious when I see these women where it's not obvious. So you can accidentally insult them by implying they're pregnant or offend them by not offering up your seat when they really are pregnant.

2) The woman is clearly pregnant. You offer up your seat like a gentleman (or lady, cuz it shouldn't fall completely on men's shoulders to give up a seat to a pregnant woman) and she doesn't take your seat. So while you've made the effort, you still have the reminder that is her belly in your face the rest of the trip. On top of that, you can feel the people who got on after you made the offer glaring at you for sitting down while this poor pregnant woman has to stand. Your only hope is that you will soon be stopping at one of the interchanges and enough people will get off so she can sit down.

So this morning I had to deal with number 2. It's always a joy.

I was also reminded of something else that's been bugging me a bit lately. What's with the women with no manners? You go through a door, you know someone is walking literally 2 feet behind you, you hold the door for them. Not hard. I swear, I've had so many doors slam in my face lately it's just sad. If I ever let a door slam into some woman's face it would probably be on the news that evening. But are women exempt from this common courtesy because doors are supposed to be held open for them? I don't think so. And on top of that, a lot of them don't even acknowledge or say 'thank you' when a door is held open for them. Shame on you, ladies.