I’m 17, and I normally go to the library after school to study. I found a quiet corner by the window with a view of these gorgeous tree I’ve been watching grow for years that’s perfect for me to concentrate and stay calm while I’m working.
One day, a girl from my class came in and asked if she could take my corner because she “really needs the window to focus and won’t be able to concentrate anywhere else.”
I told her that I also use that corner for the same reason, it helps me stay calm and get my work done. She let out a sigh and said she was unhelpful and went to sit somewhere else, but she kept giving me angry looks for the rest of the study session.
AITA?
NTA. You were there first, and also needed it to focus. It’s not like you’re sitting in a spot that is specific reserved for her.
NTA. It’s a public area – first come, first serve. On the days she gets there first, she gets the privilege of sitting there. On the days you get there first, you can sit there. No one owns the spot. That said, if she really is giving you enough trouble about it or starts bullying you, I would take the issue to a library staff member or other adult and ask for support.
Have we really come to a point as a species where we need to make a post for something like this?
unfortunately, yes.
Actually, I think possibly the airplane seat people have come up with something new. This is the second post today about student seating.
I wonder what seat one will have to give up next. Has anyone seen a post where someone was asked to give up a more desirable place at a bus stop or cinema?
Also how does staring at a tree help you concentrate, unless you are meditating? They cannot even get the pronouns correct.
NTA, it’s a public area like others pointed out, and you’re there first. It’s not reserved for her. I am sorry she might have some legitimate concentration issues, but that’s her problem, and she’s going to need to learn better ways to cope and hopefully someone in her life can help her with that if needed. I don’t think she was wrong to ask you if you’d be willing to give her the spot, but once you refused, she should have accepted it gracefully and not given you dirty looks.
NTA. It’s a shame there apparently isn’t another spot that will work as nicely for either of you, but public facilities like this are generally first come, first served.
Sigh. NTA
No, if you paid for seat/first to open seating/seated at booth when another customer comes in/whatever today’s scenario is…
You are NTA for refusing to give up your seat
Nope. Let her find her own spot. Who cares if she gives you angry looks. There is no reason for you to give in on this since her need for the space is no more important than yours and you got it first. She’s jealous and just wants what you have.
BTW, unless there is a way to reserve the spot, there may be no reason she nor anyone else wouldn’t be able to take your spot on the days that they get there before you do. I hope she doesn’t but thought to mention that it could happen in a public space, if your classmate is ruthless enough.
Clearly NTA. When it comes to library spots, you snooze you lose.
NTA
Just because somebody else is frustrated or angry at you doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong
This sounds like the beginning of a great romance story, featuring the gorgeous tree.