ABC has a television show that presents situations that require an onlooker’s decision. From my comfortable seat watching television, I know exactly what I will do. But do we really know?
Last week I was on an MD 88 airplane sitting in an aisle seat of the row of three seats. Behind me and across the aisle in the two-row aisle seat was a quiet woman minding her own business. The woman directly behind me leaned toward this woman and said “Aren’t you lucky. It doesn’t look like you will have a person in the window seat.” She responded, “Yes, maybe – but you never know until the doors are shut.”She is likely a regular flyer.
And she was right. Shortly before the airplane doors closed, a rattled thirties something young man apologized many times before taking the window seat. This young man started questioning his seatmate immediately and loudly. He asked her where she worked. She responded, and his next statement was that he wanted to work for this company and where could he send his proposal. She answered that she did not do sourcing for the company.
And there it seemed to end, and yet, it didn’t. Shortly after takeoff, this young man elevated in both voice level and borderline inappropriate comments. She then attempted to return to her work and ignore her seatmate – he continued. Fortunately, there was a vacant seat three rows in front of her. When she was able, she quickly rose and moved to that empty seat. She was shaken and immediately reported her experience to a flight attendant who, along with the rest of the crew, handled the remainder of the flight with absolute professionalism and attention to the young man to keep things calm.
When this young man entered the plane, I bore witness to his conversation and intrusive questioning. I debated on whether or not to push the light for the flight attendant and alert him or her that this woman might need some intervention. I didn’t do that, and I don’t know why. If I’m truly honest with myself, I sensed vulnerability in a small and contained space. In my head, I argued both sides, and in the end, chose a wait and see posture. Fortunately, things turned out well, this time.
