Who are the people on the MRT?

POLE HUGGERS
I don't know what it is with these people who hug the poles, preventing other passengers from being able to hold on. That girl in the pic is doing just that. Mind you, the train was packed. And there she is hugging the pole inconsiderately. Near her, a couple of women were losing their balance because they were in a spot where there was nothing to hang on to. I wish they suddenly grabbed that girl's hair! Haha, commuting really tries my patience.

First cousin to the Pole-huggers are the POLE LEANERS. See them leaning back, probably thinking how leaning so casually makes them look so cool.

Then, there are the DOOR BLOCKERS. It's an unfortunate thing to find yourself behind one, whether you're getting on the train or off. These are people who just suddenly stop, and claim their place right in the middle of the entryway.

Two days ago, I was following one such creature. I was waiting for the train and then when it arrived, in she stepped and then stopped. She appeared to be looking at possible spots to position herself, and she was taking her time doing it too. And there I was at the door wondering if the doors were going to close on me.

There was a LOT of space in the car, but no, she just planted herself there as if she were the only person who needed to ride the train. She only budged when I gave her a sharp excuse me! plus matching glare.

I know people prefer to be near the door. But, standing squarely in the entryway when there's still space is just plain inconsiderate. Jolog.

Lastly, there's the PANICKY PASSENGER -- divided into two breeds:

The first is the PANICKY BOARDER. The Panicky Boarder is so intent on securing a spot on the train that instead of letting people get off the train first (which is important so that there will be space on the train for new passengers!), the Panicky Boarder will jam itself in and thereby blocking the passage of the disembarkers. How to deal with Panicky Boarders, just slam your way out. If it gets hit, better.

The second breed of Panicky Passenger is the PANICKY DISEMBARKER.

This creature does not know how to read other people's movements. This creature usually exhibits agitation when it's time to disembark. Afraid of not being able to get off the train, it insists on squeezing itself in front of you when it's obvious that you're also moving in the same direction and about to get off the train yourself. And this creature, even when you're both moving in a line to step out of the train, will actually put a hand out and push you out, instead of just -- as the saying goes -- going with the flow. In some cases, said creature will continue pushing even when you're out of the train.

These are just some of the creatures you'll encounter on the MRT (or the elevator).