My awkward moment on the subway showed me the unspoken seating rule
I used to always stand up for older people, but it felt off sometimes. Then I noticed others only offer if the person looks like they need it, not just by age. Now I watch for subtle signs, and it feels more natural.
Yeah totally, it's one of those small things that changes how everyone around you acts. Like how a cashier will be nicer if you stand up straight versus all slumped over at the register. That spry old guy probably just moved through the world like he owned the place, and people felt it. We're all just reading each other's body language all day without even knowing it.