I travel frequently, and because I’m larger than average, I always make sure to purchase two seats — usually a window seat and the one beside it — so I can sit comfortably and not disturb anyone during the flight.

I do this out of respect.
I don’t want to inconvenience strangers, and I don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable either. So yes, it costs me more, but I’d rather pay extra than create an awkward situation for someone else.

But on a recent flight, something happened that honestly shocked me.

A woman boarded the plane with a small child, looked around, and without even asking… she placed her child directly into the extra seat I had paid for, as if it belonged to her.

At first, I thought maybe she was confused, so I stayed calm and polite. I simply explained that both seats were reserved and that I had paid for them for personal reasons.

Instead of understanding or apologizing, she immediately got defensive.

She started raising her voice, arguing loudly, and trying to turn the situation into a public scene — clearly hoping that people around us would pressure me into giving up a seat I had already purchased.

But here’s the thing:

I wasn’t rude.
I wasn’t aggressive.
I was just firm.

I paid for those seats, and I wasn’t going to be guilt-tripped or embarrassed into giving up something that was legally and fairly mine.

So I acted decisively… and I shut her little performance down immediately.

Because being kind doesn’t mean being weak — and respecting others doesn’t mean allowing people to take advantage of you.