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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would this bother you? Train etiquette.

40 replies

TrainRager · 07/05/2018 12:38

I'm sitting on a train travelling from Scotland to London. I'm at a pre booked table seat. The train is full and the table is fully occupied.
The woman oppposite me has her legs extended so that her feet are practically under my seat.
Naturally, I'm being very British and non confrontational. I've tried the "accidental" kick of the foot and even engaged a hard stare but to no avail. She has her headphones on and is closing her eyes so its difficult to get her attention.
Please help to encourage me to grow a pair, tell me I'm being unreasinable or amuse me with some creative ways to deal with it.
I still have three more hours of this journey to endure...

OP posts:
BrightonCalling · 07/05/2018 12:40

Personally i would just smile brightly and be like "sorry would you mind moving your feet back a bit please?"

Morphene · 07/05/2018 12:40

yes - you need to wake her up and ask her politely to move her feet.

Not a sneaky strategy...but probably effective.

WorraLiberty · 07/05/2018 12:40

Just lean forward, tap her and politely ask her to move her legs so you can stretch yours a bit.

That's not confrontation, it's basic adult communication.

youngestisapsycho · 07/05/2018 12:42

Just ask her to move her feet! 😁

TidyDancer · 07/05/2018 12:42

Agree with the others. You just need to be straight with this. There is no debating you are in the right so she has no grounds to object.

reallybadidea · 07/05/2018 12:42

Do you have a bottle of water? Squirt some surreptitiously on her legs and when she reacts explain that sadly you are slightly incontinent. This should do the trick and may also get rid of the other table occupants, allowing you to really spread out Grin

DickensianHysteric · 07/05/2018 12:44

I would also be annoyed at that. I would say, could you move your legs to give me a bit more room here please? Once I had plucked up the courage! Or you could wait, she will move her legs at some point and that's when you move yours to claim your rightful space!

TERFragetteCity · 07/05/2018 12:48

Do you have a bottle of water? Squirt some surreptitiously on her legs and when she reacts explain that sadly you are slightly incontinent. This should do the trick and may also get rid of the other table occupants, allowing you to really spread out

You are a genius Star

CurlyhairedAssassin · 07/05/2018 12:50

Are you an amputee? Confused Where are YOUR legs if hers are under your seat?

halfwitpicker · 07/05/2018 12:51

Just kick her then apologise. She'll soon move.

Original poster
TrainRager · 07/05/2018 12:58

@curlyhairedassasin
My feet are pretty much either side of hers.
I am aware that I'm being a bit wussy but I've had a stressful day and very little sleep and don't have the resources to deal with this.
DH says I should punch her.
It never ceases to amaze me that people have the temerity to do this and not consider others.

OP posts:
INeedNewShoes · 07/05/2018 13:02

Move your feet to their rightful spot just in front of your seat.

I agree that this is completely not on and I also understand your reluctance to ask her. You shouldn't bloody have to!

Or get up to go to the loo or shop and when you come back she'll have to move her feet to let you in. Be ready to plant your feet firmly where they should be and don't let her feet back in!

flissfloss65 · 07/05/2018 13:07

For non confrontation perhaps go to the loo then come back. If her feet are in the way say please move them.

flissfloss65 · 07/05/2018 13:08

Oh snap! Loo trick

Idontdowindows · 07/05/2018 13:20

"Excuse me, can you pull your stilts in please, I'd like to sit too."

Natsku · 07/05/2018 13:21

Play footsies with her, bet she'll move them then. Or not. Might be the start of something beautiful.

Juells · 07/05/2018 13:22

Start to get out of the seat to go to the loo, but as you go drag your inside foot hard up the front of her shin. Don't say sorry, pretend not to notice. Do the same on the way back. Or tell her to move her feet.

Otherwise, sit and suffer Grin

bearbehind · 07/05/2018 13:22

If your feet are either side off hers just close them together.

That will wake her up and she'll get the message.

This would be a complete non-issue for me as I simply wouldn't let it continue.

No need to be rude, just make your point.

AntiHop · 07/05/2018 13:23

Did you do it op?

chocatoo · 07/05/2018 13:30

Touch her legs/feet with yours. Most people hate being touched! Tap hers with yours in time with music or just jiggle yours - you can always say you have restless leg syndrome! Maybe stroke them a little with you feet...say oops so sorry, was trying not to disturb but your feet are where mine should be.

Rudgie47 · 07/05/2018 13:37

Just tell her to move her legs please.
She will I'm sure.

WingsOnMyBoots · 07/05/2018 13:38

Yes it amazed me that some people feel the need to fill up their immediate space and that of others as much as possible. I would get up and go somewhere and come back I am sure that would solve it but if not I think you're only option is a polite request to move her feet...if you dare!!!

ForalltheSaints · 07/05/2018 13:52

Ask politely, perhaps agreeing that you both put your legs to the left so you can both stretch out.

Pinga · 07/05/2018 13:55

Ask her to move! Sometimes people are just completely unaware how annoying they are being. Sometimes they are aware but dont care

RestingBitchFaced · 07/05/2018 14:06

Have you kicked her yet?