You know how the subway can get a little crowded during the heart of the morning commute? I have a new strategy to try to vanquish the people crowding in on you that I’m thinking of as “The Mommy Shield.” I saw it in action yesterday, and at the very least it might be cathartic, assuming you don’t get arrested.
The subway was super-saturated on the way to work. Near me, but not next to me, was a nice-looking, well-dressed (black-dressed) woman of around 40, who decided to announce her feelings about being sandwiched in with a zillion strangers.
“Just letting everyone know. I am a mom-of-two. I cannot guarantee that I showered this morning; nor can I guarantee that I don’t have lice or bed bugs!” she said.
I smiled, which was more than the other passengers did. Most people didn’t flinch.
Eric Messinger is the editor of New York Family. He can be reached at [email protected]
