What are the rules of etiquette and some tips for alleviating the stress of riding crowded subway trains? (school, moving)

[Fred314X]

Actually, despite the six pages and 60 postings thus far, I believe that the single best way to alleviate the stress of a crowded subway trip is to develop the proper mindset. And for the record, this is precisely how I did it as a conductor:

Instead of looking at the subway ride as a necessary/unpleasant/disgusting/fill-in-the-blank thing you have to do, think of it as an adventure. It's better than a Broadway play, for heaven's sake! There's an endless cast of characters, and you've got a front-row seat. (The only real problem is that you might get so wrapped up in what's going on, you could miss your stop).

There are more than 3,300 conductors employed by MTA, and let me tell you, when I had that job title, I was not one of the complainers. I looked forward to each workday.

[Nala8]

Originally Posted by Fred314X

Actually, despite the six pages and 60 postings thus far, I believe that the single best way to alleviate the stress of a crowded subway trip is to develop the proper mindset. And for the record, this is precisely how I did it as a conductor:

Instead of looking at the subway ride as a necessary/unpleasant/disgusting/fill-in-the-blank thing you have to do, think of it as an adventure. It's better than a Broadway play, for heaven's sake! There's an endless cast of characters, and you've got a front-row seat. (The only real problem is that you might get so wrapped up in what's going on, you could miss your stop).

There are more than 3,300 conductors employed by MTA, and let me tell you, when I had that job title, I was not one of the complainers. I looked forward to each workday.

Fred314X, I love this post. It is better to be a compassionate yet detached observer than a critic. Julia Cameron of The Artist's Way--a NY'er btw--calls subway trains viewing galleries. Thank you so much. You don't know me, but your post speaks directly to my heart and my usual way of viewing life. I wonder why I singled out the train experience as being somehow different? Hmmm... Time to stop seeing the trains as this awful experience one must endure in order to enjoy living in New York City.

[Fred314X]

Originally Posted by Nala8

Fred314X, I love this post. It is better to be a compassionate yet detached observer than a critic.

One afternoon, I was working on the F line. When the train came aboveground after leaving Church Avenue, two kids--brother and sister, which you could see because they had the same face--hopped up onto one of the seats and the little girl said to the little boy, "Wow! This is great! You can see stuff!"

I was thinking, someone needed to tell all the adults on the train, "Listen to the little girl; she knows what she's talking about!"

[Nala8]

Originally Posted by Fred314X

One afternoon, I was working on the F line. When the train came aboveground after leaving Church Avenue, two kids--brother and sister, which you could see because they had the same face--hopped up onto one of the seats and the little girl said to the little boy, "Wow! This is great! You can see stuff!"

I was thinking, someone needed to tell all the adults on the train, "Listen to the little girl; she knows what she's talking about!"

So funny. Reminds me of that old Bill Cosby show, Kids Say the Darndest Things.

[Mac Claire]

Speaking of etiquette: Passing gas on the subway is not necessary while riding. Remember your manners while riding.

[Fred314X]

Originally Posted by Mac Claire

Speaking of etiquette: Passing gas on the subway is not necessary while riding. Remember your manners while riding.

This assumes that your fellow straphangers have manners in the first place. And you know what they say about assuming!

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by Mac Claire

Speaking of etiquette: Passing gas on the subway is not necessary while riding. Remember your manners while riding.

People probably take advantage of the anonymity of the crowd. Just imagine--the snooty little Wall Street wannabe in her expensive miniskirt suit, letting go of a silent-but-deadly, thinking everyone will blame the scruffy guy with his hat on sideways...

[noladarling]

Control your children!!! Don't allow them to lay across three seats!!!!!!!!!!

[jessielou]

Don't feel compelled to tell some stranger your life story or what you think is wrong with the world and how you would put it to rights. Nobody cares.
As for the adventuring aspect - I like that idea! I love when something ridiculous (more than usual) happens and everyone kinda looks at each other and grins. It's that kind of 'we are all here together' mentality. Loves it.

[Fred314X]

Originally Posted by jessielou

Don't feel compelled to tell some stranger your life story or what you think is wrong with the world and how you would put it to rights. Nobody cares.

And for those times when you find yourself on the receiving end, there's nothing wrong with letting the storyteller know that you don't want to hear it.