I've been e-mailing back and forth these last few days with a friend of mine and somehow the topic of armrests came up. And I gotta tell you, they are a bitch. Of course, I can only speak for the ones in this town, but I'm sure you will find the bastards plunging into hips all over the world since seat-designers everywhere seem to think we are all the same size- and a size 2 at that.
I dread airplanes. of course, I actually have a fear of flying, but that aside, I fear that some day, I will have to buy two seats in order to sit comfortably during a flight. When no one occupies the seat beside me, I am overjoyed. Seats get smaller and smaller, narrower and narrower, as airlines try to cram as many people as possible on planes to maximize their capital. And there I am, hoping to GOD I don't have to ask for a seatbelt extender (so far, I never have) and wishing for just a couple more inches of width so that the recliner button does not permanently indent my THIGH. In the meantime, I am staring down the woman across the aisle who looks not only comfortable, but can cross her legs and dangle her foot before her, a pleasant smile spread across her face. I fantasize about being that woman on airplanes. I haven't crossed my legs on a plane in... oh, 17 years? LOL.
Concerts or sports events are even worse. Because you're not only sitting, but you're usually getting up to cheer or scream and sitting down. And again. And over and over and... Well, you get my point. I go to a lot of shows and frankly, it sucks ass. Staples Center is a huge offender and often times, I come home from concerts there with aching hips or even bruises from having the seat's sides pressed into me for so long. That's unpleasant. I've sort of worked out this sideways method of sliding into the seat after I've been standing but it's not fullproof, I'm afraid. And if I end up sitting next to someone heavier than I am, I am miserable. Of course, it I sit next to someone who is stick-skinny, I feel miserable too because I am only thinking in my head about how they must loathe getting stuck next to the fat chick (I know I am too hard on myself).
Also on my list? Restaurants. Why would you presume to put armrests on your chairs where people go to EAT? Do you really wanna make it uncomfortable for your best audience? LOL.
But anyway, that's my whine-of-the-day for you. And before I sign off, let me recommend this website my aforementioned friend sent me. It's useful for knowing the detailed ins and outs of airline seating and I just bookmarked it: http://www.seatguru.com/.
