A COUPLE of years ago, I would have proudly said: "Yes, I give up my seat on the train or bus to people who need it more than I do."

Now, however, I do it with much fear.

I remember an incident where I gave up my seat to a woman in her 50s or 60s, but she rejected my offer politely.
So I sat down, but not without the worry of being misunderstood by other commuters who boarded the train later and thought that I did not offer my seat.

In these days of citizen journalism, someone could have taken my photo and put it on the Internet, accusing me of being a rude youngster who pretended not to see an elderly woman. Hundreds of netizens would then slam me for my "rudeness".

Worried about this, I got off the train at the next station, even though it was not my stop.

I wonder if this is right: Pressuring people to give up their seat by putting their photographs on the Internet, without finding out first if the person had offered the seat but was rejected.

And what about those who were genuinely taking a nap and hence did not see the elderly person or pregnant woman board the train?

I have this to say to those who need a seat: If you want it, then ask for it.

Don't assume that everyone is unwilling to give up their seat. Sometimes, they really did not see you.

Ms Ong Yi Ting

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Unwell, but told to give up seat