AFTER reading the letter "Give up seat without being asked" (my paper, June 11), about how young able-bodied men and women jostle with the elderly for seats on the train, I must say this is not entirely true.

We do see elderly people fighting to get onto the bus first, elbowing their way forward.

When boarding the train, they would stand directly in front of the train doors, blocking the way of alighting passengers.

Some senior citizens also use their age to get their way with things, as they are seen as more vulnerable.

I am not saying that it is right for us not to help those in need, but I feel that, in such instances, it really takes two hands to clap - if you are nice to people, they will be nice to you too.

Our society is quick to stigmatise those who are seen as not being gracious enough to help those in need.

But, sometimes, that able-bodied person, whom everyone is giving the dirty look for not offering his or her seat, may be the one who needs that seat the most that day.

Ms See Geok Hong