Introducing the Tube Gentleman

On my tube ride this morning, I witnessed the urban myth that is the Tube Gentleman.

The tube gentleman is typically a well dressed 9-5 man who rides the tube during rush hour on his way to and from work. You can easily spot the tube gentleman among the sea of other male suits by how he reacts when a seat becomes free on a crowded tube.

When one is riding an overcrowded tube, there is nothing more sought after than a seat. When one becomes free everyone circles it like a pack of hungry wolves. All those already seated watch with eager anticipation to see who will pounce first and win the coveted seat.

When a seat becomes free near a tube gentleman he first spends the about 10 seconds hesitating and looking around to see if any female travellers want the seat. His face shows signs of anxiousness as the feminists among the females ignore his silent offer. The thing is he rarely voices his offer of the free seat, he fears an angry rejection by women who seem to the have accepted that chivalry is truly dead- its not ladies. Only when he is sure no females want the seat will he sit himself down and take his first relaxed breath as his anxiousness settles down.

I raise my apple martini to you, tube gentleman. Know that when you offer me a seat after I have spent all day in my favourite but unforgiving 4 inch heels, I love you a little bit more everyday!

LSGS