So in the FTM section the guys are talking about elevator etiquette and how people act/react in close spaces. It kinda hit home because when I was in the city last week and on the El I noticed something really strange. Women seem to sit near more a lot more often. Usually no one will sit near me but last week every time I got on the El or the subway or train women sat near me. Has this happened to anyone else? Am I reading too much into things? I'll be in the city again tomorrow so I'll get another opinion but it's kinda hard not to notice and other things have been happening too. I was on the El two weeks ago and while it quite crowded this one guy stood right next to me all up in my personal space and practically had his arm around me and even when the train thinned out he didn't move. He eventually did but not for awhile. It kinda creeped me out. Tomorrow is round three and I'm interested to see what happens. I guess the good thing is people seem to be a lot more kind to me and I kinda expected for people to be grossed out by me and to stay away from me like I had the plague. So I'm relieved that's not happening. I would prob start considering detranstion if it did.

Nods... There is 'herding' when in public.  Benches, buses, trains, waiting rooms women tend to sit next to each other.   I've seen guys just about glue themselves to the walls,well nice guys, of the elevator as well when its full and there are several women near them.  Not that you won't see people mixed all together in elevators, but when all are strangers to each other and its not compleatly packed everyone seems to take their postion,side, acording to gender somewhat.   Least thats what I've experienced.         Sorry about your 'Icky' guy experience on the E, I'm a 'freak' magnet for some reason and it sucks 'cause sometimes you have to claim YOUR space  back  LOUDLY.   ..lol   ...Travel size hairspray works great for clearing the space around you.....   oops.. did I get you in the eyes!?! 

I just realised that when I am in the bus and I have a choice to sit next to a woman or a guy, I always sat next to a woman. I would only sit next to a guy, if thats the last spot available.

It is the train for me and my lovely 2 hour commute and I would always rather sit next to a woman than a man (if no free space were available).The sly sideways glances are downright off putting after a (very little) while.

I don't know but in close spaces I seem to have social claustraphobia. I really hate having less than three feet of personal space between me and other people unless I know them. The thought of a crowded bus or train makes me cringe. I would probably walk or take a taxi.