What is it with your average commuter? You know, the one who treats a double seat as their own private property?

Maybe it’s a territorial thing. Maybe it goes as far back as when we were cave dwellers and protected our caves with fires. And that was to stop the wild animals getting in.

I’ve seen people use many methods to protect the seat next to them. Some simply cover them with loads of bags.Some drop food all over them. And some simply develop huge backsides to try cover both seats.

And could someone tell me exactly what the etiquette is when you eventually find a seat only to find that the person next to you hasn’t yet discovered deodorant? Is there a polite way to leave your seat? Is there an optimum time? Or should I just carry a peg to put on my nose?