These are the rules

On my way home from a teaching test, I found myself in a bit of a situation. Normally, people coexist on the subway with little to no interaction with strangers. We all have agreed to some unspoken pact that no one is to speak or touch. Today the rules were violated.

I was sitting close (but not too close) to two people. Then a woman got on the train and wedged herself between me and the woman on my left. There was not nearly enough room for her to fit--she had to sit on the edge of the bench and I was smooshed into the man next to me. I became obviously distressed. I was touching not one but two people! I had to get out of the situation without violating the no speaking rule. After a moment of panic, I stood up. I am sure that I had mildly pissy look on my face--allowing other people on the train to know that I would never so blatantly violate the rules.

Then, I sat in someones seat who got off the train at the next stop. Then, the lady who knows no boundaries got off at the stop after that one. Then, I realized my disgust at the situation may mean I have lived in NY too long.