PREGNANT WOMAN TOO SHY TO ASK FOR SEAT IN MRT, DECIDES TO JUST SIT ON THE FLOOR

Sitting on MRT floor

I’m sorry I feel really upset and can’t stop feeling upset. I’m (29F) heading home on my last official work day before my maternal leave starts and there are seats but I’m slow because of back/hip/pelvic/knee pains.

So obviously, I lose out in speed and frustrated, i just slump at the spot meant for pmds in the MRT….

I did keep a lookout every stop for pmds and I know the train was crowded to the point I would have had difficulty just getting up so i decided to just stay put and sit there…

So in comes this young girl looks like poly-uni age and she taps me rudely on my leg and said “please get up you are blocking the way!!!”

I replied, “ I’m pregnant and theres no seats available and my back really hurt.” At this point I felt really embarassed and vulnerable. Maybe it was my hormones or something but i couldnt stop crying after that… which just added to further embarassment.

I feel bad asking for a seat cos everyone is saying that people all have hidden medical problems too and i’m also quite shy.

I did feel like quite an a-hole because i was taking up quite a bit of space.. im quite tall so sitting cross legged did take up another persons standing space.

I don’t know, what Should I have done?

Netizens’ comments

1. Next time just ask for a seat. No need to be shy
2. Let me get this straight. It’s the day before your maternity leave starts so you must look quite pregnant at this point. And nobody offered you a seat? I’d be super embarrassed if I was one of those sitting.
3. Unless you’re literally in the door’s way, don’t need to care. If really need space, and not urgent, exit current train, wait for next one.
4. Yes pls just voice out to anyone sitting on the far right/left seats if you have your own medical problems that you are pregnant I’m sure they will give up the seat to you. In fact most of the time those sitting on the those unique colored seats are just occupying the seats for the sake of it, but I’m sure most will give up if you ask
5. Tbh this kind of thing need to be thick skinned. You’re pregnant and unwell, it is well within your right to ask for seats as it is the prerogative of those sitting to refuse.
   Don’t blame yourself for what you did and did not do, imo you did nothing wrong. Please do not dwell over this incident too much.
   Next time it helps to be brazen. Usually idgaf and am willing to ask people for their seats, and I’m rather soft spoken. Explain your situation; most ppl confirm give you one.