Patrick and Andy. You obviously both have big ass backpacks, and I have obviously hurt your feelings. Heaven forbid.

Let me clarify.

It’s really not all about you. That’s the bottom line here. When you or I or anyone has a big ass backpack on, we tend to kind of forget that it’s there, and sometimes we bump into people without even realizing it. If you swing it around on one shoulder and hold it under your arm, you at least know where it’s at. It’s hard not to realize you’ve bumped into someone then. And you should, of course, say “excuse me,” when you do. You would expect at least that much of an acknowledgment yourself if someone did the same to you. And, by the way, if you don’t have the strength to carry your backpack that way for a few minutes during your commute, get thee to a gym!

If the train isn’t crowded, don’t worry about it. But if it is, be aware of those around you, and take appropriate measures. That’s really all there is to it. I’m not a behavioral dogmatist. It’s true I believe in behaving yourself in public, which amounts to trying your best to treat people as you want them to treat you. That is a matter of principle for me. But there are infinite variations on that theme, aren’t there?

The point is that a little awareness goes a long way. A little empathy works wonders.

I detected defiance in Patrick’s declaration: “I will continue to wear my large backpack on the T. I have to bring books and a laptop with me from Beacon Hill to Northeastern everyday.” That’s very informative, Patrick. It’s a very Beacon Hill attitude, too. The entitlement mentality that Boston is world renowned for. Me me me! I live on Beacon Hill! I’ll do this! I’ll do that! I’ll do what I want and you can’t stop me! It’s my life! Don’t forget it! The rest of you are just an extras in it!

I can’t argue with you or your big backpack, Patrick. Just hope you don’t bump into me with it, is all I can say.