Been to London for the day. On the tube encountered a classic manspreader, knees out into my space. I pushed his knees back with my leg and took up my space. He flinched but then made a point of pressing back.
I am 54 years old and no longer give a toss about what men think of me. I don't particularly like contact but I was making a point.
On the train on the way home a large man plonked himself next to me. He said 'oh sorry ' when he realised he had hit me in his way down. But he then proceeded to try to take up some of my space to make himself comfortable. I sympathise that he's larger and can't help it but that's not my problem. No longer will I squash myself in to a corner just to make someone else more comfortable.
He started off trying to stay in his space but after a while he pressed against me, and was flexing his leg muscles in a twitchy way. I am certain he felt aggrieved that an older woman wasn't making him as comfortable as possible.
The next man to sit next to me managed to stay in his space, the man opposite me on the tube didn't encroach into the space of the woman next to him. My husband doesn't do it.
I always push back now but I understand why many wouldn't. But I'm old and I've had enough. A lifetime of making myself small for the comfort of others has ended.
So, manspreaders, fuck the lot of em.
And yes, I also tell womanspreaders to move their bags if I need a seat.