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10 Things Not To Do on a Commute

2017-12-10T13:58:18+00:00

Commuting is a pretty social activity. However, it is carried out by people who are terrified of interaction and generally keep their heads down and avoid the world.  If you are looking to break the ice and make new friends on your daily commute here are ten things you must never do!

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1. Sneeze 

Ok, we don’t literally mean you cannot sneeze – after all that just happens sometimes.  Especially if you have allergies or a cold, but sneeze correctly!  No one, and we mean no one, wants an early morning shower of sneeze germs so be sure to keep that sneeze contained.  Have a tissue or a sleeve at the ready and aim your head away from fellow commuters.

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2. Steal Someone’s Spot

Have you noticed how beautiful that window spot looks?  But the same guy is always in there? Well sadly commuting etiquette dictates that he has now claimed that spot.  If you are sure he is missing one day, then maybe have a cheeky seat, but watch for his return.  Fighting over the space if you both happen to get on at the same time isn’t going to endear you to anyone!

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3. Talk Loudly Into Your Phone

Commuting is a great time to text your friends, not call them loudly and discuss Mark and Sarah’s relationship or expand on the gory details of Zoe’s recent birth traumas.  Friends will understand if you pick this time to have your convos by text – just remember not to laugh too loudly if things get funny.

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4. Fall Asleep With Your Mouth Open 

Ok, we get it, you had a late night, and perhaps a glass of wine you really should not have had on a work night, but try your hardest to be a pretty sleeper.  There is nothing worse than looking across the carriage and seeing an open-mouthed walrus opposite.

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5. Snore

See above.  If you know you can be a bit of a jet engine snorer; then the commute probably isn’t the best place to be taking a nap.  It is no nicer to sit near than someone yelling into their phone.

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6. Be a Space Hog

You have one seat.  No arm waving, flailing or reading the paper while taking up the whole space, and most of someone else for that matter.

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7. Forget the Volume

Yes, you might love Megadeath blaring in your ears at 8 am on a gloomy Tuesday, but not everyone does – so check your volume.

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8. Stare

Didn’t your mother always say this when you are a kid?  Ok, you can see some pretty kooky things on the commute but learn to look subtly and don’t stare!

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9. Dine Out

Eating a snack is fine, but a full meal is kind of rude.  Spreading out across two seats or trying to eat messy food with grace on a moving train is just not happening.  Stick with food you can manage.

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10. Be Too Stubborn 

Ok, we get it.  You got a seat for the first time this week.  But, if there is a commuter with a more significant need, you need to be the bigger person.  Be sweet and give up your seat.

10 Things Not To Do on a Commute 2017-12-10T13:58:18+00:00

Why You Should Always Introduce Yourself to That Beautiful Person on your commute!

2017-12-10T14:00:43+00:00

Why You Should Always Introduce Yourself to That Beautiful Person on your commute! 

Commuting is not exactly the most fun thing to do with your time, but sadly for many, it is a necessary evil.  It often more comfortable to use public transport if you work in a busy city that it is to fight your way in with a car – and it usually is cheaper than running a car anyway. However, commuting can be a lonely place.  There is a sense of global shyness that prevents most people from interacting, so unless you know someone, you may travel in total silence with only the occasional nod of the head if someone meets your eye.

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But Suddenly 

Sometimes, however, you are lucky enough to see someone who takes your breath away.  A beautiful person is standing there in their world of silence.  Do you dare speak?  The chances are not.  Most of the time anxiety takes over, and people may admire from afar but never dares speak. You ration that they may have a partner, or may find you not their type.  After all, you wouldn’t want to cause embarrassment to anyone. You choose to do nothing,  but what you actually should do is introduce yourself and say hi.

Why Would You Risk That?

Most people are not monsters!  They are quite happy to say hello and are often not brave enough to do that themselves either.  Taking the initiative could just brighten someones day if nothing else.  If more people brought a little smile to someone else’s life, the world would be a happier place.

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But What If?

However what if this interaction was written in the stars?  The universe can only do so much to help you find your soul mate and perfect partner – some of the work is down to you!  What if this beautiful person that is sat across from you is that person.  You do not want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime, so you need to dig deep and be brave!  Make that first move and be the one that risks it all to introduce yourself.

What is the Worst That Can Happen

Let’s face it; you are in a public place.  The chances are that even if you perfect person is not in the mood to make a new friend or say hello back, they are not going to cause a scene just because someone spoke to them.  They may look away; they may make it clear from what they do say that they are not looking for new contacts right now – or you might find you have met someone who will go on to be a significant person in your life.  They say that people cross our paths for a reason and if we take this literally, you beautiful person caught your eye because they were meant to.  There is a saying that goes something like this: Do one thing every day that scares you.  This is good for personal development, and it could be the best thing you ever did in terms of tracking down that seemingly elusive soul mate – or even new best friend.  So – go on – Just say hi.

Why You Should Always Introduce Yourself to That Beautiful Person on your commute! 2017-12-10T14:00:43+00:00

Another Delay?

2017-12-10T14:07:32+00:00
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Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com


So there you are, trying to get to work on a fine Wednesday morning. You arrive at Jurong East MRT station, and you stand in queue when you realize that it was time for the train to arrive. By now, you should be hearing it chugging down the track, but then…

No train.

Your brows furrow in wonder. You check your watch, you see you were right on time. You check the station’s clock, and it’s the same. Still… There’s no train right in front of you.

Does that sound familiar?

You’ve heard about SMRT’s service disruptions happening lately, and you may have experienced it yourself. You would think that what was once a convenient, quick, and not to mention, affordable way to get to your destination, now it turned into a chaotic and irate mess. Seas of passengers flooding the stations, waiting along and withstanding hour-long rides to get to another stop that’s just one stop away; venting to SMRT operators and at each other.

Like you yesterday, I basically just gave up. I couldn’t wait another five minutes standing there with much uncertainty over when they could possibly start operating in a proper manner again. I couldn’t bare the thought of the possibility of getting stuck in the train due to delays. I immediately thought of other modes of transportation I could use. So what else could I have possibly done? I whipped out my phone and checked Grab and Uber.

I know. You’re probably not surprised at how I didn’t book any car since the prices were soaring beyond my daily budget. Cabs weren’t an option either. So I thought of another alternative – the SMRT bus (which was what everyone thought of, too).

I had to face the fact that I was going to be late regardless, and decided to withstand the long queues. Eventually, I got to take my turn and took a seat next to the window. What was a forty-minute train ride, an additional twenty was added just for me to get to downtown. But as I sat back, already stressed out at how my morning was going, I couldn’t help but empathize with my fellow commuters who ranted their concerns over social media.

I can only hope these “faulty track points” be fixed soon – and fast!

Another Delay? 2017-12-10T14:07:32+00:00