In neither of these two incidences should I have felt guilty, but in both I did – irrationally.
On Monday I was on the tube and there was a spare seat, but I didn’t bother sitting down. A few stops later, another seat was freed up, and for no good reason I sat down. Then I realised that the seat opposite was next to an Asian lad (and the glass partition). Does this look racist? I won’t sit next to the Asian? Of course not, but that’s an impression someone could get.
Then on Tuesday I’m in Waterstones, and I come across two bags that someone has seemingly left unattended. I can’t help but notice they have lots of books in them. I cast an eye around for the owner, but there’s noone obvious. So I call over the security guard who immediately carries them off behind the counter. I carry on browsing when suddenly a panicked looking man appears. He glances around then races out of the shop’s front casting his eyes up and down the street. Then I watch as he comes back into the shop, and goes to counter where he sees an assistant and the security guard going through his bag. But, of course, because it has books in it, they’re not going to give it back without some questions. I feel very sorry for this man, since I’m the reason his bags went away (OK – he shouldn’t have left it alone). But I feel slightly guilty.