There's a delicate balance when it comes to common courtesy on the T. Physical interaction with your fellow passengers is impossible to avoid, much as the way cows can't help but touch each other on their way to their final destination (right next to the mashed potatoes). Still, there's a line between incidental touching and outright battery.
It wasn't until I was getting off the train yesterday that my traveling companion mentioned the assault on her lower extremities by the guy standing next to her, ranging from being stepped on to being smacked with a bag. Ouch, that must have been fun. Retaliation probably would be inappropriate in these situations, so here's the new rule for MBTA courtesy: If you rub or bump up against somebody, it is appropriate to say, "excuse me." The "half-nod" is probably okay, as well. If you perform an act that could cause them physical harm, step up your apology to, "I'm sorry." And if you land in their lap after the driver comes to a hard stop, see about getting a phone number.
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