Streetcar Civility

Years ago, on a crowded streetcar, a seat freed up and my co-riders looked around to see who it should be offered to. They settled on gray-haired me.

At the time, I was dismayed (my inner ageist kicked in).

Being offered a seat because you’re older can feel complicated. It can leave you thinking, Do they assume I’m frail? while also, They’re truly being polite.

So I looked for a response that made me feel plenty polite—and firmly not frail—in return.

Thanks! I said, laughing, But I sit at a desk all day. I’d really love to stand.

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels