Speaking as a skinny person (ok, my belly is getting a bit ‘middle-aged’ but otherwise still skinny…), I’ll be honest.

On a flight last week I was sat by the window and waited patiently, as always, to see if the seat next to me would remain empty (it sometimes happens) or, if not, who would be sat next to me for the following few hours. When someone did make a move to take the seat, my first thought was disappointment that someone was using the seat — ‘Oh great…’ — but my second was ‘oh God, AND he’s fat…’. In fact, I even messaged my partner to jokingly complain about it.

Terrible. I know. I’m not proud of it. But it’s true.

Then I noticed something. He didn’t put his arms on the armrest (either side). He was doing everything possible to make himself as small as possible. I presumed at the time it was because he was aware of his size and was being kind — which to a point he probably was. But I hadn’t considered he could be as mortified and worried as you have described in this story.

Now I feel even worse. I didn’t need all the room I had (I like it, of course). If it happens again, I’ll try to make an effort — if I can do it politely and without highlighting the reason too much — to offer them the armrest.

Great article, thanks for sharing.