---
title: "Would you wear a \"Happy to Stand\" badge?"
url: https://sam-page.com/thinking/would-you-wear-a-happy-to-stand-badge
date: 2026-09-22
author: Sam Page
type: Post or article
categories: [People and behaviour]
reading_time: 2 min
summary: "I was recently travelling on a mega busy train and noticed how many people ended up standing. Elderly people, a pregnant lady, young children."
first_published: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn%3Ali%3Ashare%3A7508071733162078208
---

# Would you wear a "Happy to Stand" badge?

I was recently travelling on a mega busy train and noticed how many people ended up standing. Elderly people, a pregnant lady, young children.

![](https://sam-page.com/img/thinking/would-you-wear-a-happy-to-stand-badge-li1.webp)

While a couple of people offered there seats, most people either looked up awkwardly, unsure whether to offer theirs, or buried themselves in their phones.

I get it, because I'm the same. I'm always conscious that some people might need a seat more than me. But I hesitant when I offer mine, in case it implies I think something of them, which isn't true.

I err on the side of risking offending someone, and offer my seat, rather than leave a person standing. But it's not ideal.

On the flip side, I've spoken to a number of people who say they'd never ask for a seat. They don't know if the person is sitting for a reason, and it just feels a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

And I'm sure this is the same for many shy and quiet people.

A friend once told me they stand all the time, just in case. But I'm not sure that solves it, because as soon as someone does sit down, they're back in the same situation.

So it got me thinking.

If someone sitting down is wearing a "Happy to Stand" badge, it shows they're very, very happy to give up their seat. No questions asked. All you'd need to do is ask, and the seat is yours, no problem at all.

It's something I've talked about for years and never actually done anything about.

I've mocked up the badge on the attached photo Transport for London (sorry for using your logo).

If we could fund them, would you wear a "Happy to Stand" badge?

Please reshare and like if you think it's a good idea! Trying to reach as many as possible!