The Lesson at 30,000 Feet: How a Stranger’s Comment on a Plane Changed My View on Boundaries and Kindness

Her father, polite but firm, leaned toward me. “Would you mind switching seats so my daughter can look outside?”

It was said kindly, but the tone carried an expectation, the kind that leaves you feeling like the only acceptable answer is yes.

I smiled and said softly, “I’m sorry, but I actually chose this seat in advance.”

His expression shifted—just slightly, but enough to sting. He nodded stiffly, settled in, and under his breath, I heard him mutter, “Some adults never learn to grow up.”

The words hit harder than I expected.

Continue reading…Continue reading…