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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that nobody died from travelling backwards on a train?

396 replies

EvelynWardrobe · 09/11/2017 09:40

Why do people make a fuss about this? The trains I travel on aren’t full, so I get to watch this pantomime of ninnies quite frequently.

Today I’m facing in the direction of travel at a table seat, empty seat beside me and two empty seats on the opposite side of the table. A couple get on, she sits opposite me and he insists I move my bag (the train is less than 50% occupied) so he can sit beside me.

I’m considering doing some man-spreading, even though I’m not one.

OP posts:
Smarshian · 09/11/2017 09:41

Why would it bother you if someone sits in an empty seat next to you? It makes some people travel sick to travel backwards

afrikat · 09/11/2017 09:41

It makes some people feel really sick. Your bag doesn't need a seat

HoneyIshrunkthebiscuit · 09/11/2017 09:42

Some people feel motion sick if they sit backwards

user1497357411 · 09/11/2017 09:42

A lot of people get motion sickness in a train. Especially on old, unkept rails as those in Britain. This shouldn't be news to you. Stop being a jerk.

raisinsarenottheonlyfruit · 09/11/2017 09:42

If you don't mind going backwards but don't like sharing space how about you travel backwards?

nothateasybeingreen · 09/11/2017 09:42

My mum can't as she takes migranous associated vertigo attacks - ends up collapsing if she goes backwards or sideways etc. Forwards she's fine. She rarely goes by train anywhere though - once a year if that , as there arent any where she lives, and if she does she books a seat!

BitOutOfPractice · 09/11/2017 09:43

I feel as sick as a dog if I travel backwards. I avoid it at all costs.

And while I'm at it, move your bloody bag off the seat

taratill · 09/11/2017 09:43

statistically speaking you are much safer travelling backwards on a train than travelling forwards. If there were to be an accident you are a lot less likely to be thrown off the seat and injured or worse.

I always travel backwards.

Xeneth88 · 09/11/2017 09:45

This reply has been deleted

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Lessstressedhemum · 09/11/2017 09:45

I get really, really sick travelling backwards, projectile vomit sick. I also get dizzy and it brings on terrible headaches, so I am someone who insists on facing forward. Rarely travel by train though. Rarely travel at all actually.

chatty1234 · 09/11/2017 09:45

I suffer from travel sickness and would be vomiting if I faced going backwards. I’d often have to stand if there are empty seats but in wrong direction

Myheartbelongsto · 09/11/2017 09:45

I don't get this either. Or people that get car sick if the travel in the back. Pull the other will ya.

PizzaPower · 09/11/2017 09:46

No problem OP, I’d sit opposite you. But I hope you have a change of clothes because more than likely I would have been sick all over you within 10 minutes of setting off.
I simply can’t travel backwards without feeling and been sick.

witchofzog · 09/11/2017 09:46

I feel really sick going backwards. Especially when the train stops for some reason. If the "pantomime" annoys you why don't YOU take a backwards facing seat in the first place. It obviously doesn't bother you so free up some forward facing seats

TooDamnSarky · 09/11/2017 09:46

I used to think this was just people being ridiculous. Then I noticed that my travel sickness was massively worse when facing backwards.

LouiseH2017 · 09/11/2017 09:46

I get super travel sick when on trains. The only way to minimise the nausea is to take travel sickness tablets AND face forward AND continually look through the window. Traveling when it’s dark outside is a nightmare. It’s usually a couple of hours after the journey has ended before I start to feel normal again.

I avoid trains as much as possible and would much prefer to not have to sit next to someone if it can be avoided, but the sickness is so awful that sometimes I have no choice.

(I do always reserve forward facing window seats when available)

witchofzog · 09/11/2017 09:47

Myheart just because it doesn't affect you it doesn't mean people are making it up. Jeez Hmm

BitOutOfPractice · 09/11/2017 09:47

I don't get this either. Or people that get car sick if the travel in the back. Pull the other will ya.

Once again MN full of people who simply cannot understand that not everyone is the same as them...

Original poster
EvelynWardrobe · 09/11/2017 09:48

I get motion sickness on planes, boats and cars, but never on trains. Wonder what the science behind that is.

OP posts:
LemonysSnicket · 09/11/2017 09:48

@my heart...if I travel in the back of a car for longer than 20 mins I will violently chunder on the back of your head ...hendge your bets.

Xeneth88 · 09/11/2017 09:49

OP i found your sock!! Myheartbelongsto

Original poster
EvelynWardrobe · 09/11/2017 09:49

I feel sick in the back of cars but not if I can see out of the windscreen.

OP posts:
IcingSausage · 09/11/2017 09:49

don't get this either. Or people that get car sick if the travel in the back. Pull the other will ya.

Yeah. And I’ve never broken a bone so those ridiculous fakers in plaster casts can fuck right off too.

And don’t get me started on appendicitis. Freeloading wankers.

Hmm
PandorasXbox · 09/11/2017 09:50

If you get motion sickness on a plane and in a car surely you would some empathy for those that have it on a train?

Just move your bags!

malmi · 09/11/2017 09:51

YABU for bag on or blocking seat