Kill them with kindness

I NEED a rich benefactor who will allow me to travel by air in business class. I may be getting old and cranky, but the seat space in economy class on planes is getting smaller and smaller.

- ASHLEY GREEN-THOMPSON

It could cause serious social upheaval.

So because of this, I try to be considerate when lowering my seat back into the reclining position. On a recent overnight trip, I turned and saw the woman behind me head down on the tray table, blanket over her head, and trying to fall asleep. My leaning back would have abruptly ended that project, so I gently tapped her shoulder to warn her of my impending interruption.

She wasn't happy, and through red-rimmed eyes complained of her sinuses that don't allow her to sleep leaning backwards. Before I could be kind and offer her an antihistamine, she covered her head again to mark the end of our exchange.