The issue of young versus old for priority seats on public transport also has to do with the issues of pride and embarrassment (When MRT priority seats turn into ‘old v young battleground’, Dec 24). I – and others I have seen – have offered seats to the elderly and needy, only to have them decline the offer. It is then quite embarrassing as you have to sit again after standing up.

I have some advice to avoid being in such a situation. Offering someone a seat does not need to be a grand, sweeping gesture. It does not even need to be spoken. You catch the person’s eye and use body language to say, “I’m getting up for you; would you like to sit down?” 

It is a bit hard to describe, but it is a fairly natural manoeuvre. Basically, imagine that you are already getting out of the seat so they can sit there. This is accompanied by a facial expression, a quizzical eyebrow-raise and a bit of a smile. And with eye contact, looking for a reply.

That reply can also be subtle: a thank-you smile, or a polite no-thanks gesture.

If they decline, then you can set your mind at ease. If they accept, well, you get points for your good deed of the day. But gesturing to a person takes away all the guesswork.

Still, we must also practise empathy. Just because someone is younger does not mean they do not necessarily need a seat, and they should not be judged badly for it as they might need the seat for health reasons.

Sim Joo Geok