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To open my window on the bus

440 replies

notknowledgeable · 28/01/2024 12:17

It seems to be a mission for some people to fight to have all the windows on the bus closed, for all of every journey? Why? Before covid this wasn't an issue - now it seems people have a point to make.

I get there can be a chilly draught, but just put your coat on, or put your hood up?

I am immunocompromised, and wear a mask and open the window on my way to and from work. Every single time I get ill, ( currently a couple of times a month) my classes are left with non specialist agency staff. I take all the precautions I reasonably can to keep from catching anything, but this constant battle on the bus every working day is really wearing my down.

OP posts:
willWillSmithsmith · 08/02/2024 09:18

If it’s heavy rain then people behind the open windows are going to get that in their faces. But as long are you’re ok that’s all that matters.

OP are you trying to win an award for most self centred poster on MN? It’ll be quite a feat but your odds are good.

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 08/02/2024 09:17

I have a feeling that constantly trying to resurrect you own thread with constant updates and "pity me" comments is probably indicative of some personality disorder too...

As is getting off the warm, safe bus and slogging through the wind and the rain on dangerous roads just in case someone coughs inside the not air tight bus which keeps opening the doors anyway....

I'm going to guess the horrendous driving wind and rain which is probably blowing through the open windows and soaking people who have caught the bus to stay relatively dry and warm (maybe because they have health conditions which are made worse by said rain and wind and cold) is why they keep closing the windows - which are designed to keep the rain and wind OUTSIDE

PyongyangKipperbang · 08/02/2024 09:10

Ursulla · 08/02/2024 09:06

a long walk with heavy bags in pouring rain along unlit roads with unpaved footpaths.

This is an excessive level of discomfort, strenuousness and by the sounds of it danger on account of closed windows (in a vehicle that opens doors repeatedly) for a few minutes.

Yes, its amazing what people will do to prove their martyr status isnt it?

Ursulla · 08/02/2024 09:06

a long walk with heavy bags in pouring rain along unlit roads with unpaved footpaths.

This is an excessive level of discomfort, strenuousness and by the sounds of it danger on account of closed windows (in a vehicle that opens doors repeatedly) for a few minutes.

NoWordForFluffy · 08/02/2024 07:40

notknowledgeable · 08/02/2024 06:10

its been a difficult couple of days on the bus. Very aggressive window slammers not allowing anyone to open a window, and issuing name calling and threats. A couple of us have got off twice, which means a long walk with heavy bags in pouring rain along unlit roads with unpaved footpaths.

It is so stressful. I am really anxious about setting off for work again today. Getting off in the morning is really hard, as I arrive at work late, cold, wet and muddy and behind myself all day. Yesterday all my year 9 books were wet too. Getting off on the way home is not so bad.

Lets see what today brings

Weird, you said this on the first page: I'm not well enough to cycle or walk or un to work, when I am fit and well, I do. but that is likely to be years away still.

But you clearly are well enough to walk, as you've chosen to do it, in poor conditions, when you could've just stayed on the bus for a few minutes.

Sounds like you just like to martyr yourself really.

RubyEarWax · 08/02/2024 07:00

This reply has been deleted

Troll banned

notknowledgeable · 08/02/2024 06:10

its been a difficult couple of days on the bus. Very aggressive window slammers not allowing anyone to open a window, and issuing name calling and threats. A couple of us have got off twice, which means a long walk with heavy bags in pouring rain along unlit roads with unpaved footpaths.

It is so stressful. I am really anxious about setting off for work again today. Getting off in the morning is really hard, as I arrive at work late, cold, wet and muddy and behind myself all day. Yesterday all my year 9 books were wet too. Getting off on the way home is not so bad.

Lets see what today brings

OP posts:
ButWhatAboutTheBees · 04/02/2024 14:55

OP: I have health conditions that mean I might catch something and then kids might not have a teacher (but I couldn't possibly catch something from them!)
People: The cold can cause other people to be ill and incapacitated thus meaning they can't work
Also OP: People have invented complicated and convoluted reasons ....

EvelynBeatrice · 04/02/2024 14:01

I always open a window whenever I can and do ask those in surrounding seats. If they say no, fair enough.
Someone above said they doubted a couple of open windows would reduce the chance of picking up bugs. Actually the evidence is very much otherwise. Good ventilation makes an enormous difference.
I don't worry about the old or frail either - they are at far more risk from covid, flu, viruses than being a bit chilly.

SpidersAreShitheads · 04/02/2024 11:24

LancaLass · 04/02/2024 02:29

There is a lot of ranting and raving here, too much drama talking about bloody windows being open on public transport.
Guess what, I was on a bus today, to be fair first time for a while, there was a window open I was at the back and it wasn't cold, no one keeled over from the frigid air or equally from not having enough fresh air and guess what, people helped each other on and off the bus. Actual humans communicating and being nice to each other. I used buses all the time before I had a car and seriously if it was stuffy I just opened a window when I got on. If it got cold it would be shut. It didn't upset me or anyone else, or did I feel the need to scream at someone they were a narcissist for shutting, or maybe on a different day, for opening a window. And no one screamed at me!! And other people got on and maybe opened or shut a window.This was both in London and oop north believe it or not.
If you're so immunocompromised or in pain you can't travel in a bus in fear of a window being opened then how do you cope in the destination where you're going eg. A town or supermarket? I have every sympathy for people who are having difficulties on public transport and I do sympathise even if it sounds like I'm being a bastard. I've relied on public transport for a lot of my life. Including when I've been having difficulties in mobilising. There maybe options for people who have difficulties accessing public transport such as volunteer community transport or dial a ride / bus which maybe cheaper than taxis and get you to where you need. I didn't have a car for over a decade and had to rely on public transport, so i do understand the frustrations. But really opening, or perhaps even closing, a window is causing so much angst?? Madness.

The thing is, that’s what most people are saying. Virtually everyone else said they check with those around them on the bus and would move to another seat if views conflicted. Everyone here seems to understand that being on public transport requires you to show some compromise and consider the needs of those around you too.

There is one exception to that - the OP. She is insistent that her needs are greater than anyone else’s can ever possibly be and that her job means she’s way too important to ever risk being ill. She’s of the opinion that nothing else matters bar her own well being and that anyone claiming to have medical needs that conflict with hers is lying and/or exaggerating.

I can’t recall ever seeing a thread with such an arrogant and entitled view. There’s not been an ounce of self-reflection from OP or even any acknowledgment that there are others who have equal or higher health needs.

And just in answer to your question about those who can’t cope with the cold - there’s quite a difference being sat immobile while being blasted with a direct stream of cold air constantly and walking around and getting in and out of warm shops etc. The weather may be cold but walking prevents stiffness, and there’s no direct stream of cold air being directed straight at you.

Also bear in mind I very much prefer an open window! But I can completely understand why that would be difficult for some individuals. Unlike OP apparently.

Numberfish · 04/02/2024 06:05

LancaLass · 04/02/2024 02:29

There is a lot of ranting and raving here, too much drama talking about bloody windows being open on public transport.
Guess what, I was on a bus today, to be fair first time for a while, there was a window open I was at the back and it wasn't cold, no one keeled over from the frigid air or equally from not having enough fresh air and guess what, people helped each other on and off the bus. Actual humans communicating and being nice to each other. I used buses all the time before I had a car and seriously if it was stuffy I just opened a window when I got on. If it got cold it would be shut. It didn't upset me or anyone else, or did I feel the need to scream at someone they were a narcissist for shutting, or maybe on a different day, for opening a window. And no one screamed at me!! And other people got on and maybe opened or shut a window.This was both in London and oop north believe it or not.
If you're so immunocompromised or in pain you can't travel in a bus in fear of a window being opened then how do you cope in the destination where you're going eg. A town or supermarket? I have every sympathy for people who are having difficulties on public transport and I do sympathise even if it sounds like I'm being a bastard. I've relied on public transport for a lot of my life. Including when I've been having difficulties in mobilising. There maybe options for people who have difficulties accessing public transport such as volunteer community transport or dial a ride / bus which maybe cheaper than taxis and get you to where you need. I didn't have a car for over a decade and had to rely on public transport, so i do understand the frustrations. But really opening, or perhaps even closing, a window is causing so much angst?? Madness.

NPD is not a form of ‘madness’, it’s a genuine MH problem. You’re complaining about the drama but putting in your equal penny’s worth and minimising peoples’ points of view. This is the classic NPD result: winding otherwise calm people into creating drama and division and is indeed a good case study for the alleged sociologist.

Numberfish · 04/02/2024 05:55

PyongyangKipperbang · 04/02/2024 00:14

Optimistic, at best.

The OP has clearly shown multiple times that she is incapable of any form of critical self reflection. Also a classic sign of NPD.

All we have seen is grandiose declarations of her own worth and the denigration of others. She will not, and I suspect can not, accept the possibility of ever being ill informed,unimportant or down right wrong. She has accused me, and others, of being liars because what we say means that in the hierarchy of illness it means that she wouldnt be top of the triangle. The fact that her "might get ill" is trumped by someone elses "WILL get ill" simply doesnt buy into her view of her being the most important person, so that fact can safely and cheerfully be disregarded as "complicated and convoluted", despite it being 100% true.

They walk among us.

I always try to be optimistic and open them as much as possible to awareness of their potential NPD. I generally have very good results as their self-image paradoxically includes being ‘a great person’ and presented firmly they can often absorb their selfish behaviour. It’s important work as everyone suffers with NPD, even the narcissist.

LancaLass · 04/02/2024 02:29

There is a lot of ranting and raving here, too much drama talking about bloody windows being open on public transport.
Guess what, I was on a bus today, to be fair first time for a while, there was a window open I was at the back and it wasn't cold, no one keeled over from the frigid air or equally from not having enough fresh air and guess what, people helped each other on and off the bus. Actual humans communicating and being nice to each other. I used buses all the time before I had a car and seriously if it was stuffy I just opened a window when I got on. If it got cold it would be shut. It didn't upset me or anyone else, or did I feel the need to scream at someone they were a narcissist for shutting, or maybe on a different day, for opening a window. And no one screamed at me!! And other people got on and maybe opened or shut a window.This was both in London and oop north believe it or not.
If you're so immunocompromised or in pain you can't travel in a bus in fear of a window being opened then how do you cope in the destination where you're going eg. A town or supermarket? I have every sympathy for people who are having difficulties on public transport and I do sympathise even if it sounds like I'm being a bastard. I've relied on public transport for a lot of my life. Including when I've been having difficulties in mobilising. There maybe options for people who have difficulties accessing public transport such as volunteer community transport or dial a ride / bus which maybe cheaper than taxis and get you to where you need. I didn't have a car for over a decade and had to rely on public transport, so i do understand the frustrations. But really opening, or perhaps even closing, a window is causing so much angst?? Madness.

PyongyangKipperbang · 04/02/2024 00:14

Numberfish · 03/02/2024 23:00

You meet all the definitions for ‘narcissistic’ behaviour in these threads and the fact that you keep posting laughing emojis to minimise it, when you’re being ratioed with the same feedback, is concerning.

How do you reconcile your medical needs overriding others as ‘convoluted and complicated’ when anyone can see that sitting in an artificially powerful, constant cold draught is generally more dangerous than being exposed to exactly the same germs on a bus as in a classroom?

And again, how is it that your oppositional, aggressive behaviour is ok but others pushing back against it is not? And that people patiently feeding back how you come across is flipped into irrelevant humour to you? I really don’t think you understand what the ‘sociology studies’ would cover, you’re a classic example of cognitive dissonance, megalomania, and that victim mentality NPDs love so. Read up on narcissistic personality disorder if you’re ever bored. You might get some interesting insights into why people react to you as they do and maybe start some healing.

Optimistic, at best.

The OP has clearly shown multiple times that she is incapable of any form of critical self reflection. Also a classic sign of NPD.

All we have seen is grandiose declarations of her own worth and the denigration of others. She will not, and I suspect can not, accept the possibility of ever being ill informed,unimportant or down right wrong. She has accused me, and others, of being liars because what we say means that in the hierarchy of illness it means that she wouldnt be top of the triangle. The fact that her "might get ill" is trumped by someone elses "WILL get ill" simply doesnt buy into her view of her being the most important person, so that fact can safely and cheerfully be disregarded as "complicated and convoluted", despite it being 100% true.

They walk among us.

Numberfish · 03/02/2024 23:00

notknowledgeable · 03/02/2024 19:01

It isn't anything to do with how I "come off" - It is to do with the responses, many of which are abusive, oppositional, irrational, and convoluted in the extreme. Somebody upthread called me "narcissistic" for needing to follow medical advice and protect my health by opening the window by my seat on the bus 😂Other posters have invented complicated, convoluted reasons why me opening one window next to my seat on the bus endangers the lives of others 😂Its a perfect illustration of typical oppositional online behaviour - that is its value to sociology students.

You meet all the definitions for ‘narcissistic’ behaviour in these threads and the fact that you keep posting laughing emojis to minimise it, when you’re being ratioed with the same feedback, is concerning.

How do you reconcile your medical needs overriding others as ‘convoluted and complicated’ when anyone can see that sitting in an artificially powerful, constant cold draught is generally more dangerous than being exposed to exactly the same germs on a bus as in a classroom?

And again, how is it that your oppositional, aggressive behaviour is ok but others pushing back against it is not? And that people patiently feeding back how you come across is flipped into irrelevant humour to you? I really don’t think you understand what the ‘sociology studies’ would cover, you’re a classic example of cognitive dissonance, megalomania, and that victim mentality NPDs love so. Read up on narcissistic personality disorder if you’re ever bored. You might get some interesting insights into why people react to you as they do and maybe start some healing.

notknowledgeable · 03/02/2024 19:02

And thank you to all the nice constructive posters. Sorry I didn't thank you all individually - the thread ran away from me a bit and I missed quite a lot of posts. It does seem to have been a peaceful week on my buses and those of colleagues, so who knows!? maybe the message is getting out there a bit.

OP posts:
notknowledgeable · 03/02/2024 19:01

It isn't anything to do with how I "come off" - It is to do with the responses, many of which are abusive, oppositional, irrational, and convoluted in the extreme. Somebody upthread called me "narcissistic" for needing to follow medical advice and protect my health by opening the window by my seat on the bus 😂Other posters have invented complicated, convoluted reasons why me opening one window next to my seat on the bus endangers the lives of others 😂Its a perfect illustration of typical oppositional online behaviour - that is its value to sociology students.

OP posts:
Mummy3Plus1 · 03/02/2024 00:03

I'm happy to hear this thread may be analysed in a sociological study. However, I think it is humourous how you think you will come off well.

You have spent the entirety of the post belittling other health conditions that would require the windows closed, ignoring any evidence that contradicts your opinion, claimed you are the only person who could possibly be able to perform your job (therefore I assume you teach some obscure specialist course?) and hypocritically branded others as bullys quickly followed by declaring your willingness to fight anyone who wanted to close a window.

Please feel free to post the recorded lecture here, I think given the state of the country we could all do with a good laugh!

notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 19:37

O you are back! welcome back! I thought you had gone because when I tried to tag you in to an answer, I couldn't and received a message to say you were no longer on this site - I will try and tag you here and see if it works @Numberfish

edit - yes! you are fully tagable now!

OP posts:
Numberfish · 02/02/2024 18:49

notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 11:31

This is funny! if anyone wants an illustration of how the word "narcissistic" has become a faddy fashionable insult to throw around simply because you disagree with someone, here you are!

I am immunocompromised and need to sit by an open window on the bus, to protect my health and my ability to work.

The poster likes ALL the windows closed, apparently! so has decided that I am "narcissistic"!

I don't have any argument with anyone else who wants their window closed or who wants to sit in a warmer part of the bus or anything, I just object to people forcing MY window closed, and making me have to get off the bus to avoid the risks and the aggravation.

but the poster calls me "narcissistic"

The poster seems to think peppering their post with words like "text book" and "cognitive dissonance (sic)" lends them an air of authority of some sort, rather than underlining their total lack of understanding of what the word "narcissistic" means.

I understand the poster has left the site.

I really hope the post is not deleted. I have screen shot it just in case. it is such a classic example of the current fad for the ignorant misuse of the word "narcissistic" to attempt to gain moral superiority over a person you disagree with, and of the contrariness of a certain type of poster who come onto the internet indulge in subjectless aggressive opposition, and of the frame of mind that creates this type of behaviour.

I have already been approached and asked if I have any objection to my thread being downloaded and used in a sociology lecture - for exactly these reasons. 😂

So wrong. I’m an actual degree-qualified counsellor who absolutely understands what I’m saying, even if you don’t. It’s extremely cathartic to be able to speak freely when faced with such terrible, divisive social skills as yours outside practice. NPD types are on a spectrum and very often are horrified to realise it. You are clearly not one of these, which is a shame as awareness is often transformative to sufferer’s social lives. What happens in your brain when other people complain or make requests? Does it offend you? What kind of person do you imagine causes a previously peaceful group people to react with such irritation that you have to avoid them? Why do you think your contribution to teaching bears the slightest relevance to others’ temperature choices? These are far more relevant questions for a sociology study than the usual self-aggrandising version you’re inventing.

notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 16:20

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 02/02/2024 14:45

OP: No one has health needs that mean the cold is bad for them. All the windows should be open....
Also OP: Oh no. I'm not a narcissist, I get some people might want to be warm. Just my window open is fine

Hmmm

where did I say all the windows had to be opened? I like it when they are, and as it happens this week, every bus I got on had all windows open. I've never argued and fought to open all windows though, only one.

OP posts:
ButWhatAboutTheBees · 02/02/2024 14:45

OP: No one has health needs that mean the cold is bad for them. All the windows should be open....
Also OP: Oh no. I'm not a narcissist, I get some people might want to be warm. Just my window open is fine

Hmmm

willWillSmithsmith · 02/02/2024 12:44

notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 11:31

This is funny! if anyone wants an illustration of how the word "narcissistic" has become a faddy fashionable insult to throw around simply because you disagree with someone, here you are!

I am immunocompromised and need to sit by an open window on the bus, to protect my health and my ability to work.

The poster likes ALL the windows closed, apparently! so has decided that I am "narcissistic"!

I don't have any argument with anyone else who wants their window closed or who wants to sit in a warmer part of the bus or anything, I just object to people forcing MY window closed, and making me have to get off the bus to avoid the risks and the aggravation.

but the poster calls me "narcissistic"

The poster seems to think peppering their post with words like "text book" and "cognitive dissonance (sic)" lends them an air of authority of some sort, rather than underlining their total lack of understanding of what the word "narcissistic" means.

I understand the poster has left the site.

I really hope the post is not deleted. I have screen shot it just in case. it is such a classic example of the current fad for the ignorant misuse of the word "narcissistic" to attempt to gain moral superiority over a person you disagree with, and of the contrariness of a certain type of poster who come onto the internet indulge in subjectless aggressive opposition, and of the frame of mind that creates this type of behaviour.

I have already been approached and asked if I have any objection to my thread being downloaded and used in a sociology lecture - for exactly these reasons. 😂

You don’t need to sit ‘by’ an open window as you will get a much more robust gust of fresh air by sitting a few seats behind it. Opening the window above you might be pleasant for you but it’s a very different story for those sitting behind and more elevated. Your best bet is to sit right at the back as you’ll feel the air from every angle.

notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 11:34

MrsSkylerWhite · 02/02/2024 10:20

I would too. Just a quick google has brought up some that go at 18mph.
my husband can’t walk very far so we’re looking into it too, so we can get out for “walks” together.

well, this is looking more promising than I thought - I have been doing a search - it would need to go 20 miles on one charge, there and back, and on very steep hills and some rough terrain - but it looks like this might actually be possible

OP posts:
notknowledgeable · 02/02/2024 11:33

Disturbia81 · 02/02/2024 09:56

Just read your posts OP, weird how we've both noticed it in the last week. Maybe people are realising

I hope so! That is one of the reasons why I posted, to draw attention to the problem. But I think also the number of cases of measles in a local school on this bus route has probably sharped up a few passenger's thinking!

OP posts: