Let me offer some tips. Seats in a public place are there for the public. You..are the public. If you find an unoccupied chair, don't ask if it's occupied. You can see that it is not. Take it. If someone says their huband/wife/luggage/whatever, is sitting there, politely say: "No, I am", then lift up a hip and look under it and say, "nope, don't see him" then smile and say no more. Not rude, assertive. This works, unless, of course, they've paid a renter's fee for the seat. I'm careful about handing out this piece of free advice because I'm afraid they'll put "sitting meters" on public seating, so while it's still free, stand your ground (or take your seat)! The loneliness factor is real, and a stranger's rudeness can seem magnified when your emotions are swirling. Take no heed, if this truly is a "dog eat dog" world, take the first bite. Either way, it's gonna hurt. Peace.

AMEN, Susan!

Please stop with the pathetic "boo-hoo-I don't have a man" stuff! When your kids are finally gone, you'll begin the BEST part of your life. Alone isn't loneliness, it's FREEDOM. You'll be able to do anything you like, any time you like, with whomever you like. Enjoy it!
And dogs do travel--by car. Get a nice big one and go on road trips! You'll be free to do that, too!

Please stop with the pathetic "boo-hoo-I don't have a man" stuff! When your kids are finally gone, you'll begin the BEST part of your life. Alone isn't loneliness, it's FREEDOM. You'll be able to do anything you like, any time you like, with whomever you like. Enjoy it!
And dogs do travel--by car. Get a nice big one and go on road trips! You'll be free to do that, too!

Susan-

I'm a solid conservative and Republican. However, you are one of the few libs that I like to listen to and respect. I read your articales. I forwarded your last article to my wife regarding your Father because it was relavent to what her situation was/is. We all have a path. You're are a unique person- and at the end of the day I beleive you will find another someone. Thats if you want to- I appreciate your honesty and humility.

I also love the new hair style. It looks really good on you.

-alan

I shed a tear at the end of reading your column. Partly, it was because I was in an identical situation at JFK last week, late in the evening after a stormy day. What a mess!
But more it was that I share your loss of a daughter going off to college. Mine started freshman year in far-off Boston last September, and saying goodbye that day was one of the most heart-rending events of my (and her) life. While my distress first focused on the fear of a new emptiness, I soon realized the majority of the emotion was the realization that her childhood had now ended. That is deeply traumatic for both child (whoops--offspring) and parent
With time, things improved, but--as a single father--it's still not easy.
Maybe we can talk about it when I'm in LA.
Richard

Dear Ms. Estrich,
When I read your article, what resonated with me the most was the theme of "being hit when down" (or some variation thereof).
I have clinical depression. One of the reasons why I suffer is because I had major life issues COMBINED with the random, frequent abuse of others in public. I would be hurting so badly from a terrible work situation that ended in my dismissal, only to be "eaten by the wolves" on public transit, to give you an example. It was because of this overwhelming negative feedback in my life that I sunk to such a low. You have my sympathies.
I think my experience is indicative of "When you laugh, the world laughs with you. When you cry, you cry alone". I believe that people are more inclined to respect those who they perceive are indifferent, happy or confident. In reality, however, we are not made of teflon and cannot always wear a poker face, nor are we always happy.
I also appreciate your candor. It's nice to know that people from all walks of life can share in their humanity.
By the way, I tend to identify myself as part of the "Religious Right". You may wish to consider the very damaging perception that me and my counterparts are purveyors of hate. Basing your assessment of this group on one individual, such as Ann Coulter, is dangerous.
One of us may offer a seat to you at the airport sometime.
Chelsea

Sorry. You may wish to "reconsider" your...

Chelsea

Ok, no partner! How about only child, without a spouse (divorced twice), without children! I think I was meant to learn to truly be alone in this life. I'm glad I still have Mom at this time, but I sure think about that time when I'm truly alone! I think there should be a club for those of us in that group! haha