I don’t expect people to do things for me. I’ve always been extremely independent and it is a hard acceptance for me to learn I can barely bend over already to even paint my toenails these days (well, I guess more pedicures! yay!) I do however have a new found respect for pregnant women and new moms in a bustling city like NYC. If you’re a mom or mom-to-be in the city, you know we deserve medals for surviving obstacles that normally moms don’t have to overcome. Take this Manhattan Mamma for instance. New Yorkers have a reputation, this is true, but we’re not ALL assholes —but for those FEW who might still be, let me just clarify a few etiquette tips for you:
1. Offer your seat to the pregnant lady. I don’t usually even take it. Unless I’m carrying 50 bags and traveling for 18 stops. But, it’s nice to see that someone recognizes that the preggo carrying some extra baggage just MIGHT be tired. In my research, I’ve actually had more MEN offer than women. Apparently chivalry is NOT dead and YES! You, the young Asian sitting on the N/Q train every morning I’m talking about YOU. You who looks right at me and NEVER gets up or even offers even though you’re like 100 pounds and 21 years old. I am pretty sure you don’t need the seat. Respect your elders. (haha.)
2. For GODS SAKE, if you see a single mom trying to lift and carry a baby AND a stroller down subways steps by herself TAKE A MINUTE TO HELP HER. Claudio pointed this out to me the other day. He said he watched numerous people rush past her, annoyed she was in THEIR way, and it was only him who actually stopped to help her carry it down. That’s just embarrassing. TSK TSK I’d think you’re better than that people!
Those are my only two rants for today. Pregnancy hormones in action. I’m sure there will be more…”to be continued…” or feel free to add your own addition in the comments…
Would he have noticed the mom if you weren’t pregnant? I feel like our own experiences make us more aware of those things. That 21 yr old will someday be 9 months pregnant in smoldering hot August, wishing someone would let her sit down on the subway. In that moment, she’ll remember you.
That’s a good question Emily! I know he said he’s more aware of noticing them now that I am, but Claudio is always doing nice things for people. He’s a rare gentleman 🙂
And yes, one day, she’ll learn!
HA! I think we dealt with the same 21 year old on the N/Q. When I was pregnant and riding the train I had similar experiences. I don’t get it. I wasn’t one to complain about not having a seat, but seriously, my HUGE pregnant belly is in your face and you won’t get up for me even though you are literally as big as my thigh and many years younger. What the F is wrong with young people?
And in my experience, I had more women get up for me. I even had women juggling toddlers get up for me before other people did. But I also was shown lots of kindness from strangers, such as people calling me to their seat from halfway across extremely crowded trains.