Space on Benches.

[simongt]

Whenever I'm out & about, if I need to sit down for a few minutes and there's only a bench with one person sitting on it available, I always ask if it's okay to sit in the spare space as to my thinking, the occupier of said bench may well be waiting for someone to join them.
However, I've noticed more recently that some folk will just sit down in the spare space without asking the occupier if it's okay.
Is courtesy going out of the window, or am I just being too polite - ?

 

[Drago]

I just sit down snd say "good morning/afternoon".

I someone else wants to sit there it's incumbent on them to do so prior to my arrival. Its not like sunbeds on the Algarve.

 

[Beebo]

I’m always worried this might happen


View: https://youtu.be/NRmYnLCN1aQ?si=maQmvGvm4TZaifSw

 

[cyberknight]

I just sit down snd say "good morning/afternoon".

I someone else wants to sit there it's incumbent on them to do so prior to my arrival. Its not like sunbeds on the Algarve.

Do you move the towel before you sit down ?

 

[markemark]

If it’s free then sit down. It invariably is free. If it’s not then its up to the sitter to say someone’s sat there mate.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Do you move the towel before you sit down ?

If I’ve been running then I use the towel on the bench to wipe myself down before sitting. I do love this public service of providing towels.

 

[steveindenmark]

If its a guy I say hello. If its a lady, I ask permission.

 

[accountantpete]

Depends on who is sitting there

 

[markemark]

 

[Dogtrousers]

I just sit down. Provided there's adequate space and it's not covered with pigeon crap.

 

[Moon bunny]

I just whip my fold-away stick out, handy in so many situations, trains, buses ...

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I just sit down. Provided there's adequate space and it's not covered with pigeon crap.

I do the same.
Tbh I don't sit down on benches often, unless I'm waiting for someone that is delayed.
Even then, I'd rather wait in a coffee shop.
If I'm on a solo bike trip, I'll find a space with no one around

 

[Dogtrousers]

I do the same.
Tbh I don't sit down on benches often, unless I'm waiting for someone that is delayed.
Even then, I'd rather wait in a coffee shop.
If I'm on a solo bike trip, I'll find a space with no one around

I sometimes have my sandwiches sitting on a bench in one of the leafy London squares. Unfortunately everyone else tends to have the same idea so seats are at a premium. If I see a spare bit of bench I'm having it. I'm not giving some stranger the opportunity it deny me. Or sometimes I sit on benches on station platforms and the same applies.

 

[Accy cyclist]

It depends on the person already sat there. If they look safe I'll smile as I approach, then sit down. It's difficult when it's me already sat down. If they just plonk themselves down without any interaction whatsoever I'd find it slightly rude and either get up and move on, or transfer all items from my jacket pocket closest to them to the one furthest away from them, letting them know I do not trust their intentions. If a person sat next to me when there was a bench nearby, totally free of anyone sitting on it, then I would be worried!🙄

 

[rikki]

I thought this thread would be about tidying the work bench.