Netizens debate giving up your MRT seat versus offending those who don't need it -- and one user has perfect solution

Teo Yan Ting
 on the r/askSingapore subreddit, the user wrote that they often struggle to tell how old someone is - especially if they fall in the 30s-50s age range.

"There are seniors who dye their hair and people in their 30s who already have white hair," the Redditor explained.

"I'm worried that if I give up my seat to someone in their 30s because I mistakenly think they're in their 50s or 60s, they might be offended."

The netizen also shared their dilemma about whether or not to offer their seat to women who may be pregnant.

"Some women wear loose dresses and have a bit of a belly, so I can't always tell if they're pregnant. Should I just give up my seat just in case?" the user questioned, adding that a friend had once given up a seat, only to be snapped at with: "Do I look like I'm pregnant?"

The post clearly struck a nerve with commuters who have been in similarly awkward situations. Many agreed that the safest option is to simply stand up - no eye contact, no words, no drama.

"Don't wonder too much. Just stand up and walk away from the seat. Those who think they need it the most will grab it," one user advised.

A fellow Redditor even said they would switch train cabins to avoid the awkwardness altogether.

When it comes to deciding who "deserves" the seat, netizens said they'd go with their gut feeling.

"If they look frail... like legit in their 70s and 80s, I'd let them sit," one user wrote.

"If not, too bad - they have to ask and I might consider, depending on how nicely they ask. I'm impervious to entitled boomers."

Some had a checklist: visibly sick person, visibly pregnant woman, NSF with a giant backpack. Everyone else? It depends.

One netizen even shared a tip: "Look at their hands. If they look like rempeyek (traditional Indonesian cracker made from flour and other ingredients such as peanuts, anchovies or green beans), give up your seat to them."

Another offered a cheeky response for future encounters: "I don't know if you are pregnant, but you do look like you are. Have a seat, madam."

"I don't think any 30-year-old who gets offered a free seat is gonna be offended, man," another Redditor added, pointing out that most people wouldn't mind the gesture even if it's based on a mistaken assumption.

And for those who really want to play it safe? One netizen summed it up best: "Just stand - then you won't have this problem."