Are you placing the bag next to you because no one appears to want to sit down or are you placing it next to you because you don’t want anyone to sit next to you?

Both of these mentalities exist on the Portland MAX on a daily basis. Who is to say that the old woman with the unweildly bag doesn’t just want a place other than the ground to place her belongings? However, what if this old woman is actually a grumpy grandmother who hates sitting next to people?

Here’s what I think - someone placing their bag on the seat next to him/her doesn’t automatically mean that person is a jerk.

Though, I will say if someone approaches the seat, the seated individual should establish some sort of eye contact with the interested rider to see if they have the intent or desire to sit. If so, shuffle that bag over to your lap because your bag doesn’t have precedence over a human being. If you see an influx of people getting on the MAX, elect to move your bag over to your lap or show that, yes, you would move your bag if someone was interested in sitting.

No one deserves to have to stand if they wish to sit down in a seat occupied by a bag.

Note: portions of this TriMetiquette post appeared on PDX Pipeline - a Portland Arts, Music & Events blog