How To Brave The Subway, With Grace and Elegance

Though it is always preferable to take a taxi or have a driver pick you up, it is often not within the young lady's budget to do so, especially after a day at the shops. With this in mind, one should always be equipped with the means and knowledge to take public transport.

1. Carry tokens. Much easier (and often slightly less pricey) than buying a single fare over and over and over again.
2. Purchase a Day Pass when necessary. For all you Torontonians, this means upwards of four trips. Metro cards are great, though not always 100% practical for infrequent subway-goers.
3. Be aware of when the subway closes. Either this, or carry enough funding for a taxi if you simply must stay out late.
4. When actually in the car, be aware of other passengers. It is common courtesy to offer your seat to those who need it more than you. As a young person, this means everyone else. In particularity: pregnant women or mothers with their children, the elderly, injured parties, people with large shopping bags, etc.
5. While on the topic of shopping bags, try not to bring these onto the subway/streetcar/bus in abundance. They are a hassle to you, a nuisance to those around you, and do not qualify for a seat of their own.
6. If you find yourself having to stand, do not grumble about it. Place your feet squarely apart, at about shoulder-width, hold a railing for support, and be aware of the car's movement- you'll get the hang of it much more quickly than you'd think!
7. You don't have to make lasting bonds with everyone on the car, but you most certainly do not need to make mortal enemies either. Smile politely, respond to queries should they arise, and treat other passengers kindly.
8. If you see someone you know on the car, do not shout. Try to catch their eye, or make your way over to them if traffic allows. Now is not the time for a large commotion, so save the blubbering and carrying on for your high school reunion.
9. If you're riding with someone, keep your conversation to a low volume, and as always, appropriate. No one wants to hear about your wild night out, your life's biggest mistakes, or your (gasp!) bathroom activities. Keep private conversations just that- private.
10. Use up the space alloted to you, and no more. If seated, keep one ankle tucked behind the other, hand on lap, shopping bags neatly stowed beneath your seat. If standing, do not slump over, keep your arms, hands, legs, feet and wits about you and be conscious of others. Along these lines is scent, believe it or not. Perfume is an essential part of every lady's morning ritual, but be mindful of the power and intensity of this perfume. Try not to smother passengers with your lingering odour, even if it is pleasant.

And lastly, mind the gap!