Passenger Moves Seats on Train to Avoid Loud Chewer, Draws Unexpected Reaction

A train ride took an uncomfortable turn when a passenger moved seats to escape the sound of loud chewing, only to be confronted for doing so.

The interaction, shared by the passenger in a since-deleted post on Reddit, has drawn attention to the unwritten rules of public transportation etiquette and may have identified the reason for the triggered emotional response.

The individual explained that they have a strong aversion to loud chewing, describing the sound as unbearable, even through noise-canceling headphones.

‘So, so gross’

After enduring the, “So, so gross”, noise for 20 minutes, they quietly gathered their belongings and relocated to another seat in the not-too-crowded train.

However, the person chewing took notice and confronted them, asking, “What’s your problem?”

The original poster (OP) responded, “No problem,” attempting to avoid a confrontation, but the woman pressed further, drawing the attention of other passengers.

The incident has fueled discussion about personal comfort in shared spaces and whether it’s acceptable to relocate to avoid an annoyance.

Some have pointed out that public transportation requires a level of tolerance, while others argue that passengers should be free to move without needing to justify their reasons.

Consideration of Others

Etiquette experts emphasize that train travel involves shared responsibility for comfort. A guide on HowStuffWorks lists common public transit annoyances, including loud conversations, eating pungent foods and blocking multiple seats.

The guide notes that while eating on a train is allowed in many places, passengers should be mindful of how their habits affect others.

Beyond eating habits, the same guide also stresses that passengers should avoid playing loud music or engaging in other disruptive behaviors.

Many transit systems have long-standing etiquette campaigns urging travelers to be considerate of those around them.

Another travel source, Ease My Trip, also warns against eating foods with strong odors in enclosed spaces. The guide advises passengers to be considerate of those around them, particularly on longer journeys where prolonged exposure to smells or sounds can cause discomfort.

Some Reddit responders believe the passenger had every right to move without explanation, while others feel the woman’s reaction was unnecessary.

One user commented, “The only reason someone would comment on a stranger changing seats is if they were trying to start a confrontation. Good for you for not taking the bait.”

Another added, “There is no reason for anyone on a train to comment on another passenger moving seats. I suspect this woman knew exactly what she was doing and was anticipating conflict.”

A fellow supporter praised the restraint demonstrated by the OP: “You’re better than me, because I would’ve told her I was moving because she eats like a starved donkey.

Condition Raised

Multiple people sympathized and suggested that the OP has misophonia.

“I’ve got it and bought some special ear plugs to help, which they do, but not totally,” a supporter wrote.

“People eating apples loudly makes me irrationally angry. Hey ho.”

Newsweek has contacted Aware_Valuable1209 for comment via Reddit.

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