“Yes,” I answered. “Thank you for moving your foot.”
My response seemed to frustrate him more than an argument would have.
He had expected sarcasm, anger, or a triumphant speech. Instead, he received a simple expression of gratitude.
There was nothing for him to fight against.
He leaned back and looked away.
I returned to my book.
For the next several minutes, I deliberately avoided giving the situation any more attention than it deserved. I did not stare at him, complain to other passengers, or attempt to make him feel uncomfortable.
The lesson, as far as I was concerned, had already been delivered.
But the story was not finished.
A little later, another passenger standing in the aisle accidentally brushed against the man’s shoulder while returning to his seat. The man reacted sharply, complaining that people should watch where they were going.
The irony was difficult to miss.
Moments earlier, he had expected me to tolerate his foot invading my personal space. Now he was demanding that another passenger respect his.
