Feet off the Seat

Dear Alisa and Gina,

I’m been meaning to write about this for a while because it happens all the time. I get on the commuter train, and someone is using the opposite seat as a foot rest. How unbelievably rude. Not to mention unsanitary. I’d ask them to move their feet so I could sit down (it seems it’s always a choice seat) but the idea of sitting where their feet were is disgusting to me. Don’t these people realize that their behavior is rude? Why don’t the conductors say something to them? Or what about an announcement – or a sign? I’d say something but I don’t want to have a confrontation. Any suggestions? ~ Unseated

In this particular instance your aversion to a confrontation is probably wise. I suggest you find the conductor and ask him/her to speak to the passenger. That’s their job and they are trained on how to address passengers on this type of topic. What I would also suggest is that you remember you are asking the conductor to do you a favor, so how you ask for assistance will probably have some influence on how readily it’s offered. ~Alisa

Carry wipes. Say excuse me. Wipe the seat. Sit down. ~ Gina