Ever been stuck behind someone who suddenly stops dead after tapping out at the MRT gantry? Or tried navigating a packed mall walkway only to find a group strolling five-abreast like they’re filming a Mediacorp drama? You’re not alone. Many Singaporeans online are asking: why does it feel like spatial awareness is sometimes lacking here?
Path Blockers Everywhere?
It seems to be a common sight in bustling Singapore. From sudden stops in high-traffic zones like supermarket entrances to queues snaking awkwardly across walkways, the frustration is real. Given how dense Singapore is, navigating public spaces often requires a certain level of consideration for others, yet many observe behaviours that seem to ignore this completely. Online discussions highlight these everyday annoyances frequently.
- Stopping abruptly in inconvenient spots
“I lost count of how many times someone stopped right after tapping out of the MRT gantry, leaving me stuck behind them.”
- Groups occupying entire walkways
“You see Orchard road, alot of groups walk like filming Mediacorp drama. Groups of 4-5 then all walk abreast and expect you to walk around them lol.”
- Queuing without considering path obstruction
Oblivious or Entitled?
So, what’s behind this? Is it genuine obliviousness, people lost in their own thoughts or glued to their phones? Or is it something more like entitlement, a ‘main character syndrome’ where individuals expect others to simply navigate around them? Redditors are divided. Some feel it’s a lack of consideration, possibly because such behaviour often goes unchecked.
- The entitlement argument
“thats not lack of spatial awareness, just entitled”
- Lack of social correction
“Yes. I think it’s this way because such behaviors are usually not called out here, in some countries you’d get yelled at.”
- An alternative view: Detachment, not malice
“But I have made a conclusion it’s not rudeness, or main character syndrome as many have written. It is just a part of mentality. I think a lot of people are also detached often, thinking about their own thing… So I don’t think people are malicious or anything like that. Just in their own mind, not paying attention, worrying about their own thing.”
Navigating the Human Traffic
While we can’t control others, we can adjust our own approach. Firstly, leading by example helps – being mindful of where we stop, how we queue, and ensuring our group doesn’t block the entire path. Sometimes, a simple, polite ‘Excuse me’ or ‘Sorry’ can work wonders, prompting people to realise they’re obstructing the way. Others suggest a more assertive approach, but this might lead to unnecessary confrontation. Ultimately, a mix of awareness, communication, and perhaps a dose of acceptance might be the key to navigating Singapore’s busy pathways with less stress.
- Be the change: Practice good spatial awareness yourself.
- Communicate politely but clearly
“So many times I’d smile to the people blocking my way and say ‘sorry’ they would zip out of it and start apologizing, giving way…”
- Considered assertion (use with caution)
“i used to be polite and step off or make way but now i just stand tall and let people get shoulder checked a bit… people do try to move out of the way now once they realise that i am not interested in playing their game of chicken.”
- Adjust expectations and perspective.
