Larger person on the train

[mellowyellow2018]

I got in the train the other day and sat down in the only seat left next to a lady. It was pretty squashed so I sat on the edge of the seat (I could only get one bum cheek on the seat) so it wasn’t very comfortable but at least I was sat down as I’ve got a bad back (currently having physio so it’s sore)

She looked visibly worried but I just started reading my book and forgot about it until a stop before mine she said ‘I’m so so sorry, I’m very overweight and I need to ask you to move so I can get up, this is just the worst for my anxiety to ask you.’

I said of cause (I would of anyway) and said not to worry and the seats are cramped and too small (they really are)!

Should I have not sat down in the first place? I honestly felt awful that I had made her feel uncomfortable. Other people chose to stand instead of taking that seat...

I feel terrible that some people who are larger must feel this way. I don’t think seats on public transport give enough room

You paid for a seat and I take it that she did too.

Well, actually, you don't pay for a seat, unless you reserve one on a longer journey. You're just paying to travel on the train. That's why loads of people have to stand (the same as on a bus).

So the second line of your post, which I shan't quote, is wrong too, and deliberately goady.

It sounds like you are both nice, considerate women who were polite to each other. I wouldn't worry about it any more.

how was your back after sitting on half the seat? Would be murder for mine not to be able to sit square on the seat. hope it's ok!

Not your fault she felt bad. Some other person probably said something nasty to her previously. Agree that the trains in this country are ridiculously cramped. Even if no one's overweight it's awkward on a full train. In holland /Spain/Germany they are much more sensibly laid out.