Commuter gives seat to pregnant woman on train and reaction leaves them floored

Edinburgh Live

a day ago

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A commuter on the London Underground was appalled after he offered his seat to a pregnant woman, only to have it snatched away by another man. The rush for seats during peak hours is nothing new, but many commuters still follow the unwritten rule of offering their spot to the elderly, those with disabilities, or expectant mothers.
Public transport vehicles often boast priority seating for these people. A Reddit user recounted an incident on the London Underground while travelling from Stanmore on the Jubilee line. He shared: "This morning [I] was heading into London on the Jubilee line from Stanmore. After a few stops I saw a pregnant woman get on and the people in the priority seats just ignored her so I offered her mine."
The poster's account took a turn for the worse as he detailed: "As soon as I stood up a man pushed her away and took the seat I had just vacated.
"It was bad enough seeing people not give up priority seats but then to see that and he just sat there obstinately as I told him it was for a pregnant woman."
More than 600 comments poured in on Reddit, including responses from the very pregnant woman involved and her partner.
She remarked: "Firstly, to the kind man who offered your seat, thank you so much for doing the right thing and I think we were both gobsmacked by this other man's behaviour."
The expectant mother then elaborated on the incident: "To clarify the situation, I got on the tube this morning and since I am 8 months pregnant I usually ask for a seat if someone isn't offering it, since I know people can be in their own world or on their phones.
"However, this morning, I didn't have to as this kind man stood up and then this other 2 meter tall, well built man pushed in front of me to grab the seat.
"I said 'excuse me, I think this seat was meant for me' and the kind man said the same thing. He just looked us both in the eye, didn't say anything but remained seated.
"The kind man said 'I can't believe you just took a pregnant woman's seat' but nothing from him, he shortly after pretended to sleep, probably not to face the looks of the rest of the carriage."
She added that fortunately, another passenger soon offered her a priority seat, but she "didn't want to kick up more of a fuss" by taking it.
In conclusion, she stated: "I would have understood if he also had a disability but he had clearly been capable to stand until that point, didn't wear a badge or say anything in his defence.
"I think he was just lazy and rude. My main thought was: I wonder what his mom would have said if she saw his behaviour.."
Her partner also weighed in on the post, adding: "So this was my wife! Thank you op for noticing as not many do. Thanks to the other person who stood up to give her a seat. To the guy that just ignored my wife you're an a******!".
The man's conduct sparked outrage among others. One user said: "That's absolutely ridiculous. I would have shamed him loudly in front of everyone."
Someone else highlighted: "The irony of working in health support and doing that... unreal. Hope karma catches him fast."
Another suggested: "Contact his work company and shame him. Even if they do nothing, at least you've done what you can. What a t*****."