Giving up tables in Pret (lighthearted)

[Syrinx89]

Fair enough... It's busy, it's a city and it's lunch time. But AIBU to expect one minute to gather my belongings in Pret before someone pounces on my table with coat and bag, practically shoving me out of the way before I've even left?

Every person for themselves at lunchtime in Pret where tables are concerned

Side note: I'm more than cool with a polite "Are you leaving?"... But no communication whatsoever!

I’m with you. I had a similar experience where someone dived into my seat on a train when I hadn’t even taken my bag from under the seat in front yet. Calm down pet!

That's rude OP, they should wait until you actually move

I've started getting the hump about people who just stand up from their seats on trains, expecting you to also get up and let them out (from a window seat) without a single word.

“I’m not leaving just needed something from my coat” sends them into a spin. Then leg it out of there.

Yep I hadn't actually moved, I was "gathering" as you were. I'm a very friendly person - an "are you leaving" would have definitely got her the go ahead and a smile!

@BigSandyBalls2015 Yep, an "excuse me" is all that is necessary!

Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. No real injury here.

@peterpangoeswrong Hence the 'light hearted' title. More amusing but still 5% annoying, ha ha

Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff.

But it’s often the small stuff - the small niceties and small kindnesses - that make a difference to someone’s day.

I agree, I can hover with the best of them in a busy cafe, but I always say 'Are you leaving?' and look apologetic. I sometimes even essay a light remark on my hovering, which generally goes down quite well; the leaver and I tend to part on amicable terms.

I agree it would be more polite to ask and stake your ‘claim’ verbally. But I feel for the person: I’ve been standing next to a table, clearly waiting for it, but holding back with the buggy because if I push in no one can get out. Then from the other side of the table a non-buggy-encumbered person reaches round and pops their bag on the table. So I’ll admit to being a bit aggressive when I see a table becoming free in Pret!

@montestory Ooh, that is very irritating! Did the non-buggy-clad person actually notice you were waiting for it? As a buggy free individual I would have let you have it!

It’s a particularly small Pret (downstairs. No lift obvs 🙄) and there were numerous people waiting unfortunately so it was a bit of a first come first served situation.

They were the kind of non-buggy-encumbered person that doesn’t see children and finds themselves nearly knocked down because they don’t understand why a buggy can’t be hauled up and down a 6inch kerb to get out of their very important way