An Angry Rant for the Bus Stop Dwellers

Aka, get a clue already!

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

I’ve been taking the city bus to work every day for well over a decade. Now, I don’t know about the public transit where you live, but the bus rides here can get pretty adventurous sometimes. You never know what kind of people you’re going to encounter along the way. Hence I always come armed with headphones AND a book to read. I give off prominent “leave me alone!” vibes. But apparently, some people are a little slow on the uptake. I decided to clarify some things for the guys out there who can’t seem to take a hint …

1. If I’m standing at the bus stop with headphones in my ears, while also reading a book, AND actively avoiding eye contact with you even though you are waving your hand near my face trying to catch my attention … here’s a clue — leave me alone! I’m not interested in hearing your life story, your lame pick-up lines, or your “cute” little anecdotes. Move along and find something better to do with your time.
2. No, I do not want to buy a bus ticket off of you or trade a bus ticket for money or want anything to do with your sketchy side business. I have a bus pass that is always very visibly in my hand. Go pester someone else.
3. If you sit down in the seat next to me and I promptly move to a different spot, please do NOT follow me! I chose to move for a reason. Stay in your corner, and I’ll stay in mine.
4. If I get off the bus and start walking away, don’t be a creeper. I hate it when guys dog my footsteps, especially if it’s later at night. See #3. Please give me my space!
5. If I’m waiting for the bus, it’s either because I’m trying to get to work on time or because I’m coming home after a long, exhausting day at work. The absolute last thing I want is to be accosted by strangers. I’m an introvert. I don’t particularly appreciate making small talk with people I don’t know. Frankly, you are wasting your time with me.
6. If I’m standing at the bus stop and you come up anywhere near me with a promptly lit cigarette, you best believe I will be throwing you pointed glares. If I wanted to fill my lungs full of smoke and nicotine, I’d take up smoking myself! Kindly move downwind or refrain from smoking at all when there are other people around who might be bothered by your actions. There is limited space at bus stops. Smoke genuinely irritates my lungs. Have a little consideration, please!
7. The last time I checked, we were still dealing with a global pandemic. Social distancing is still a thing! What does this mean for you? Kindly do not approach me without properly wearing a mask and most definitely do not stand right beside me (or anywhere within a six-foot bubble). Your best bet is just to keep walking and stand as far away from me as possible.

Guys, the next time you find yourself approaching someone at a bus stop or on the bus, stop and think about the points I’ve just listed above. Your behavior is not funny. It’s not charming. Sometimes it’s downright frightening. Chances are, I am never going to be interested in whatever reason you want to engage with me, so unless you’re choking or you’re having some other type of medical emergency, just keep moving.

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that the bus stop is not the place to get to know me. Just keep moving on your way.