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AIBU?

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Original poster

Who was in the wrong re bus situation

26 replies

Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:23

Buses round here are supposed to be 50% capacity, some people don't mind others sitting next to them and some do.
A man who looked around 80 was sat alone on the seat in front before. A guy in his 20s got on, bus was pretty busy and he asked if he could sit next to this older man, who said no.
For some reason the young guy seemed to take this personally.
He started telling 2 women opposite about how he had had both vaccines anyway And had tested negative that morning, and the older man said "you can still be a carrier".

The guy and these 2 women started saying "No you can't after 2 vaccines"
Then, the young guy went "Ooh, I better not touch that" referring to a railing next to the older man. Then saying "If you're so scared, why are you even on the bus?"
The three of them were laughing and the younger guy started saying "Is your journey even essential? MINE is because I'm working at bla bla bla" , the older guy said "Yes, I've been to a hospital appointment"
Then something about how there may be another lockdown, I just couldn't believe the behaviour of the 3 others and said to them that they should just respect his choice to sit alone instead of being rude to him.

Anyway the older man got off and they started laughing about how you "always get one" and stuff.

Couldn't believe how they acted, the older man may have felt vulnerable and if he doesn't want to sit next to anybody that's his choice, felt like they all ganged up on him.

OP posts:
apooagnuandyou · 21/04/2021 17:25

Bullying and abuse is never acceptable, covid or not covid.

Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:27

Then when he got off they made a comment about how he looked even older than his age or something.
You can think it's silly to not want to sit next to people but we are still supposed to socially distance on public transport, that's why buses are advertised as 50%. The guy took it very personally.

OP posts:
thedevilinablackdress · 21/04/2021 17:27

Do you even have to ask who was in the wrong here?

ilovesooty · 21/04/2021 17:30

So did you or anyone else say or do anything to challenge this bullying?

Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:31

Yes I told them that they should just respect his choice and not be so rude.

OP posts:
Newrumpus · 21/04/2021 17:31

Did the old chap accidentally get on the school bus?

Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:32

It seemed like he did yeah !

OP posts:
paralysedbyinertia · 21/04/2021 17:33

You should have challenged them, OP.

That poor man.

paralysedbyinertia · 21/04/2021 17:33

X post

Cherrysoup · 21/04/2021 17:35

I’d have bollocked their arses. They were bullying and contravening-or wanting to-guidelines put in place by the bus company.

Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:36

Yes I wish others had also challenged them but maybe sometimes people are too afraid.
These particular seats didn't have do not use on them, but I'm sure they know by now that buses are 50% capacity.

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 21/04/2021 17:37

@Isaidwhatisaid1

Yes I told them that they should just respect his choice and not be so rude.
Sorry, you did mention that in the OP. If the bus was pretty busy it's a shame that no one else said anything.
Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:38

Yeah, I've seen that in quite a few situations where many people don't say anything or challenge things, maybe it's fear.

OP posts:
YellowTwinklyStar · 21/04/2021 17:41

Why are you asking who was wrong. It's obviously not ok to bully someone.

UhtredRagnarson · 21/04/2021 17:41

Nasty fuckers.

YellowTwinklyStar · 21/04/2021 17:42

@Isaidwhatisaid1

Yeah, I've seen that in quite a few situations where many people don't say anything or challenge things, maybe it's fear.
Yes it is often fear. No one else wants to be the next target. Also maybe it sounded like the man was dealing with it himself?
YellowTwinklyStar · 21/04/2021 17:42

Depending where you live things can escalate quickly and you could end up stabbed for just looking at them the wrong way.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 21/04/2021 17:45

Why ask if he wasn't prepared to take no for an answer? Absolute bully and twat.

Bet he describes himself as a nice guy too.Hmm

Original poster
Isaidwhatisaid1 · 21/04/2021 17:50

Yeah, then he kept saying how he had "asked nicely" and telling all his new bus fans "nice to meet you" when he got off, thinking he's some sort of legend

OP posts:
Babygotblueyes · 21/04/2021 17:52

How horrible.

LolaSmiles · 21/04/2021 17:54

He sounds like an arse who thinks he's a big man. I'm surprised that the women were fawning over him, you'd think they'd be able to identify a wanker when they saw one.

Gothichouse40 · 21/04/2021 18:00

Sad as I am that the situation caused the older man distress. Im not surprised.The last time I was at the supermarket,there was a full scale barney going on because a person was asked to wear a mask instore. This Lockdown and the situation we live in has produced some people who are really quite aggressive. I honestly would not have got involved because I feel things seem to escalate quicker now than ever. I don't engage with anyone while I am out unless someone speaks to me. This Pandemic has brought out the worst in quite a few people. Im even warier of people than I was before. I get on the bus to collect my grandchild from school, fortunately , it has not been too busy. When non-essential shops open, the buses will probably be busier,then the fun will begin.

TheLODstinkyunderpassAKATits · 21/04/2021 18:24

@Isaidwhatisaid1

Yeah, then he kept saying how he had "asked nicely" and telling all his new bus fans "nice to meet you" when he got off, thinking he's some sort of legend
You must live near me, buses are full of virtuous heroes like him, ready to spout off to anyone who will listen, boils my piss...
IEat · 21/04/2021 18:53

Sounds like the man who asked if he could sit next to the older man was embarrassed and didn’t really know how to handle himself in the situation where people were watching and listening.

AccidentallyOnPurpose · 21/04/2021 19:06

@IEat

Sounds like the man who asked if he could sit next to the older man was embarrassed and didn’t really know how to handle himself in the situation where people were watching and listening.
Oh ok then, I'll stand."

It's not rocket science.

Men not knowing how to handle themselves when they're told no hasn't been an acceptable excuse for ages.