When I'm sitting on the bus...

haha, I mean, most people usually pick seats so there’s at least one empty chair between them, right? And honestly, I don't think that's such a bad thing. Most folks love poking their noses into everyone else's business, but they really don't want anyone messing with theirs. People just like having a little buffer zone—a bit of personal space, I guess. They're a little more private that way... so, yeah... I don't think there's really anything to worry about here, is there?

briskpuma0 said:Sure. People walk right in and nobody even thinks about sitting next to me. For a while there, I actually thought maybe there was something wrong with me.
It happens—you start overthinking things when your self-confidence isn't quite where it needs to be.

I went through the exact same thing. I used to constantly beat myself up thinking there was something wrong with me—and honestly, maybe there was, since my confidence was shot—but lately, I've just stopped letting it get to me.😛
Actually, I almost prefer it when no one sits by me; it feels way more chill and I get some actual breathing room.🙂
Don't let it get to you, it's really not worth the stress.👍

Hannah Ramos71 said:...it feels like there’s always an empty seat next to me 😲
Maybe I’m just overthinking things, but I can't shake the feeling that whenever someone walks in, they’d much rather find a spot somewhere else or just stay standing than sit right beside me. Does anyone else ever feel this way? 😕

I notice that even when the subway is packed😉

I’m honestly praying to God that nobody even thinks about coming near me, especially some old lady looking for a place to sit down!!!

I honestly don't see why anyone would find that an issue.🤷
(as if people wouldn't want to sit next to him)🤣

Henry Harris6 said:You probably just smell bad.
But if we want to be optimistic, here are a few tactical moves:
1. Pick the window seat instead of the one near the aisle.
2. When you see someone approaching, make brief eye contact and subtly shift your legs to the right—it’s a silent signal that the space is open.
3. If the subway is packed and the only available seat is next to you, just stare out the window. Even if you hear someone sitting down, keep staring blankly for another two or three minutes.
4. Whatever you do, never look at the person who sat down next to you.

😂😂🤣

For those of you wondering if the issue lies within yourselves because nobody will sit near you... people just sense it instinctively. They pick up on a vibe and think, "Is this person actually okay?" Maybe you have this look in your eyes that says, "Are you the one meant to break my curse??" And then they just sidestep you, thinking, "Better stay standing than deal with that guy." 😁

It’s usually one of three things: either you’re incredibly unattractive, you have an odor problem, or you’re terrifyingly good-looking. Or maybe your style is just too unconventional (are we talking naked here?). People generally shy away from extremes; they want someone plain and predictable, just like them.

Back in high school, I actually had a bit of a strategy. I used to wear this hideous, oversized army jacket—it was clean, don't get me wrong, but it looked like I’d just finished a double shift at a bleach factory. I’d stare down anyone walking toward me like I was about to steal their soul if they dared to sit down. I spent a lot of time alone, and honestly, I liked it that way. But once I ditched that jacket and started carrying around books instead, people suddenly flocked to sit by me. I guess they figured, "He looks like a normal guy, and he won't bother me since he's busy reading."

So, do we really want to keep debating the conspiracy theories behind why people won't sit next to you?

I honestly have no idea what is wrong with people and their obsession with the news, or whatever those papers are. The other day, I was reading the paper on the subway when some woman behind me starts leaning her head right over my shoulder into my business, so I just snapped the paper shut on her. A little later, as I was getting off, I left the paper on the seat and some old man snatched it up at lightning speed, probably because he saw the lady eyeing it too.

What I am trying to say is: read the newspaper. Or, if you want to use my brilliant little trick: every time you hop on the subway, carry a couple of those free local tabloids under your arm, and once you're settled, just leave them on the empty seats next to you ☕

haha...I feel this so hard...whenever people board the bus or subway, I’m lowkey praying nobody sits next to me, but then if they actually don't, I start feeling weird about why the seat is empty. It happens basically all the time, unless it's packed, I guess.

Just a quick story...bus was pretty much empty, I'm sitting by the window halfway down, and this lady gets on lugging five heavy grocery bags from Whole Foods. Where does she go? She heads right for the seat next to me even though there's a ton of space. I was like, "hey, you don't have to sit here, there are plenty of other seats," and she just gave me this death stare, grumbled something under her breath, and sat somewhere else.