The thing about riding the metro is that you often start to notice the little things that happen around you. I have a pretty long metro ride, all 40 minutes plus, if everything runs smoothly (which it rarely ever does). If not, add another 40 minutes on the DC metro system and we are good to go! So, as I sit there everyday, with the express newspaper in hand and the iPod blasting away in my ears with what I call mood music (which is often changing every second on the metro) I looked around and realized that there are so many things I would pass over in different situations.

One of the main things I have noticed is the process of natural selection. I think I am a little claustrophobic, hate riding backwards, so I tend to find a window seat facing the direction of the destination. Once all the window seats are taken up, people coming in are left with a choice of who to sit with. Its almost like that P.E. class back in high school where you want to be picked by the coolest person; being chosen last or (the horror of it all) not chosen at all in the stop makes you want to take out the mirror to check there is nothing stuck in your teeth, your hair is okay etc.etc… Based on my observations, I came up with the following:

1) The Suits: These are the men that are dressed up in suits and often tend to search for seats next to well dressed men or polished women. They often choose to stand if they are unable to find such seats.

2) The Soldiers: Since I get on in Springfield, I pass the Pentagon exit. I see a lot of men and women in uniforms (Army, Navy etc). They tend to stick to their kind as well, except they are the most polite people of all. They are always quick to give up their seats for older men/women, pregnant women, or individuals that are hurt.

Of course, these are my totally biased opinions and I continue to live by them. :)

3) The Oldies: A lot of the older people on the metro are lost and tend to find seats near the maps, to ensure they are going the right way. They don’t have a preference on who they sit next to but tend to refrain from people who are blasting their iPods.

4) The Pervs: These are often people who look for the young ones. Nasty!

5) The Teens: They rarely have a preference and often enjoy the metro ride (Gasp!). They tend to grab the first seat available and yak non-stop till their stop.

6) The Mothers: Run to the seats right by the doors to store the strollers. They guard their territory and are not too pleased when other people step in their territory.

7) The Women: Assess the situation very carefully (present company included). I first look to see if the person looks like they have showered. If yes, then I make sure their music is not blasting. If all is good, I take the seat, if not I end up standing (which is fine by me even in killer heels!).

Of course, these are my totally biased opinions and I continue to live by them. :)