I fly often, and I always run into the same problem: I’m heavier than average,

I thanked her, appreciative of her efforts to handle the situation delicately. As the plane began its taxi, I gazed out the window, feeling a mixture of emotions: relief at having my space, but also a lingering thought about the balance between standing up for oneself and accommodating others when possible. It was a reminder of the small, everyday negotiations we all engage in, striving to coexist peacefully, even in the most crowded spaces.