Hot take: staring at people in public is actually aggressive, not just awkward

I tried this thing last week where I just refused to look away when someone made eye contact on the subway in Chicago. My friend said I was being a jerk but I wanted to test if the "polite glance down" is really necessary or just a social construct. Within 3 stops I had a guy get off early because he was so uncomfortable. It made me wonder if we're all just trained to avoid conflict when staring back is the more honest move. What do you all think - is the quick look away actually polite or just cowardly?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliver_wilson493d ago

Three stops and a guy bailed early, you win at subway chicken.

sean_johnson162d ago

Man that is the absolute best feeling. The subway gods smiled on you for sure. I had one the other day where the train was packed and this lady shoved past everyone to get off, then two stops later the whole car cleared out. Best random seat of my life. People don't realize how rare those clean wins are on the T.

hart.mark1d ago

Pack a lunch next time.