A New York City resident, in the midst of her second pregnancy, decided to take matters into her own hands when it came to receiving a seat on the subway—a universally acknowledged courtesy that had eluded her. After enduring two pregnancies without a single man offering her a seat, Sophia Chen felt compelled to create a trophy to reward the first gentleman who showed her kindness.
“I hadn’t received any seat offers from men during my pregnancies,” the 38-year-old designer shared with local media. “I thought I should celebrate that moment when it finally happens and let him know his gesture is appreciated.” While she received plenty of offers from women, the men seemed oblivious as they were preoccupied with their phones or other distractions. Clearly, a woman carrying a child didn’t warrant their attention.
During her first pregnancy, Sophia humorously prepared a small card to hand out, but she never had to use it. Instead of resorting to subtle nudges, she opted for a more creative approach. She commissioned a custom bronze trophy, a 7-inch statuette depicting a figure resembling the Incredible Hulk mid-t-shirt tear. This trophy, which she carried in her work backpack, was ready for the day when a true gentleman would finally appear. “I figured it was worth the effort to bring it along,” she remarked.
Sophia also made sure to dress in a way that highlighted her pregnancy, hoping it would encourage more offers for her seat. Finally, during her second pregnancy, while eight months along, a man offered her his seat on the subway. It was the moment she had been waiting for, and she presented him with the trophy that read, “#1 DECENT DUDE. First Man to Offer Subway Seat to Pregnant Woman throughout Two Pregnancies.”
The surprised recipient, who was later identified as Jake Thompson, a veteran and aspiring actor, recounted the moment. “I didn’t even notice she was pregnant at first,” he admitted. “But as soon as I saw, I stood up and said, ‘Please, take my seat.’” They shared a lighthearted conversation, and Sophia was delighted to capture a photo of him with the award.
Sophia hopes her experience will inspire others to show common courtesy. “If men offered their seats as often as women do, it would make a world of difference,” she emphasized.
As for Jake, he explained that his sense of duty to help others comes from being the oldest of five siblings and having two kids of his own. He didn’t expect a trophy for such a simple act of kindness. “It’s just common courtesy,” he said. “I’ll always offer my seat, no matter how I feel.”
For more insights into navigating pregnancy, check out our post on Couples’ Fertility Journey. If you’re interested in understanding the nuances of hunger cues in infants, you can find valuable information at this resource. Additionally, for those exploring pregnancy options, visit WebMD for an excellent guide.
In summary, Sophia Chen’s quest for a simple act of courtesy on the subway led her to create a trophy for the first man who offered her a seat. This lighthearted gesture not only highlights the importance of kindness but also serves as a reminder of the shared social responsibility in public spaces.