On June 29,Brenda Nortonfrom Nebraska took to theDull Women’s Club Facebook grouptosharea frustrating experience during herflight.Seatedin the middle, Brenda found herself next to a man who had no regard for personal space.
“This guy has his whole left leg in my leg space. C’mon! I don’t even know you! I hate not having an aisle seat,” she posted.
HighlightsBrenda Norton from Nebraska shared on Facebook her flight frustration about a man encroaching her leg space.Some commenters suggested that the root problem lies with cramped airplane seats rather than just poor manners.Experts point to anatomical differences as the cause behind men sitting with legs apart.
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Image credits:RichLegg (Not the actual photo)
The term originates from the websitesUrban Dictionaryand Tumblr, and it refers to the practice of men sitting with their legs wide apart, encroaching on adjacent seats in public spaces like airplanes or buses.
One commenter noted, “Sometimes men just expect women to be small and accept that they’re going to take up more space. Don’t be small and don’t let them take up more space.” Another added, “Why is it always men who think they can invade your space? Be subtle, push him back into his own corner.”
Image credits:Brenda Norton/Dull Women’s Club
But a lack of manners might not be the end of the story. Other users proposed a different cause
Image credits:Jirapong (Not the actual photo)
While many sympathized with Brenda’s experience, others proposed a different explanation. One commenter thinks the blame lies with “greedy airlines making the seats too close together.”
Another traveler also believes that the issue stems from the size of the seats. “Rows on planes are ridiculously close together. Sometimes there’s nowhere else to go,” she added.
Experts believe there’s a biological explanation for this behavior
Image credits:Eriko Tsukamoto (Not the actual photo)
Regardless, most people view what’s called “manspreading” as a rude and inconsiderate act, but some experts suggest there might be a biological explanation. Spinal Neurosurgeon John Sutcliffeexplainsthat anatomical differences between men and women might contribute to this behavior.
“The overall width of the pelvis is relatively greater in females, and the angle of the femoral neck is more acute. These factors could play a role in making a position of sitting with the knees close together less comfortable in men,” he said.
Additionally, men mightspreadtheir legs to avoid testicular compression from the thigh muscles.
Larger, more comfortable spaces might be ideal, but respect remains the immediate solution
Image credits:Suhyeon Choi (Not the actual photo)
Women have also taken to X to share their grievances about this behavior
Image credits:DrNeenaJha
Kristie Koerbel, aflight attendantfor 20 years, is categorical inher assessment:“Manspreading is not acceptable in any seat,” but she empathizes with the lack of space.
“That said, the middle seat is the dreaded torture device of flying. So, the unwritten rule is that the middle seat gets both armrests.”
Koerbel also offers practical advice for dealing with the issue: “To handle someone invading your space, ask them nicely. Often, the person doesn’t even realize they are being rude.
“Try a joke, like, ‘They keep making these seats smaller and smaller.’ That acknowledges your problem is with the seat, not the person, and that you are both in this together.”
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