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Whistling on trains

Would you consider it okay to whistle on a train, with others in the carriage?

  • Yes, if not in the Quiet Zone

    Votes: 28 21.1%
  • No. It’s obviously going to annoy people

    Votes: 105 78.9%

  • Total voters
    133
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TT-ONR-NRN

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The thing is that there is a reason some things are against the rules explicitly and others are against rules like 'not cause a disturbance' - because what might annoy you may not annoy somebody else. Whistling depends very much on intensity, tunefulness and duration for me. Other things are just generally not on, like cutting toenails or putting barefeet all over the windows and tables.
Yes, I should add recently these have been persistent cases of whistling, only ceasing when passengers have alighted. I'm not quite so irritable as to be narked by a very brief example, such as just while waiting for the doors to be released as @LowLevel said.
 
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zwk500

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Agreed it’s more likely to be a driver.

Really out of order to do that. It’s a shared workplace, after all, and should be treated as such out of respect for one’s colleagues. Nobody would dream of doing that in an office!
Oh the arguments about people who bring smelly food up to the desks in an office, or worse, put it in the microwave!
 

Parjon

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Live and let live, in my view. Adjust your own behaviour if you need to maintain your own comfort (such as earphones, or even moving seats etc) unless someone else is actually behaving outside the rules.
Last year I was sat nice and quiet until some self entitled chap came along and started blaring out tictac videos full volume.

In the spirit of this sort of advice, I figured well if it is ok to subject me to what he wants - and bgger to me - then I shouldn't worry so much about being considerate of others so much either!

I got out my own phone, cranked up the volume so I could hear it above the noise and put on a rather dull documentary I intended to watch but hadn't had time to.

It was a little difficult for either of us to really engage with our competing materials. The music on his mronic tictac videos was rendered a jumbled cacophony, while I had to rely on subtitles.

Personally, I prefer a society in which people are considerate of each other versus one in which everyone just does what the hll they want and only the thick skinned and ignorant get to be happy. But hey, if live and let live is the way it has to be, just be aware I won't be denied my end of that bargain.

Whistle on a train next to me and you can expect me to join in. And you won't like it :)
 
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TT-ONR-NRN

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Its nothing like it at all, I am not getting into irrelevant comparisons like that.
Ridiculous to suggest it should be an irrelevant comparison. Whistling, or singing or loudly humming for that matter, is just as disturbing as watching TV on one's phone without headphones, if not worse as the former is an isolated sound and therefore stands out more.
 

Bantamzen

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Ridiculous to suggest it should be an irrelevant comparison. Whistling, or singing or loudly humming for that matter, is just as disturbing as watching TV on one's phone without headphones, if not worse as the former is an isolated sound and therefore stands out more.
For you maybe. But not for everyone, as I say in a functioning society we all have to accept that we all have different behaviours and tolerances.
 

Parjon

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For you maybe. But not for everyone, as I say in a functioning society we all have to accept that we all have different behaviours and tolerances.
In a functioning society we recognise this and coalesce around common, sensible rules that provide for comfort to all. In a dysfunctional society we may recognise this but still only think of what we want regardless of any interference with the well-being of others, and we expect others to tolerate our intrusion.
 

Steve4031

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Noise-canceling headphones are a great solution to most of these issues. IMHO a few-second whistle is no big deal. Anyone who is arrogant enough to whistle an entire song would get a look from me if I did not have my headphones on.
 

43066

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For you maybe. But not for everyone, as I say in a functioning society we all have to accept that we all have different behaviours and tolerances.

Somehow you don’t exactly strike me as a the chilled out, “zen” type. :D
 

Bantamzen

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In a functioning society we recognise this and coalesce around common, sensible rules that provide for comfort to all. In a dysfunctional society we may recognise this but still only think of what we want regardless of any interference with the well-being of others, and we expect others to tolerate our intrusion.
We should always try to create as comfortable a society for all as possible, although this doesn't necessarily mean creating rules. Because we are all different, trying to mitigate for the exacting comfort for everyone would be impossible. Just look at these forums, people can't even agree on the best interior colour schemes for the best onboard ambience let alone social conventions.

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Somehow you don’t exactly strike me as a the chilled out, “zen” type. :D
I have no idea what you mean? I am as the swan, pure calm on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath. I'll ignore the fact that swans can also get incredibly grumpy at the drop of a hat... ;)
 

TT-ONR-NRN

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We should always try to create as comfortable a society for all as possible, although this doesn't necessarily mean creating rules. Because we are all different, trying to mitigate for the exacting comfort for everyone would be impossible. Just look at these forums, people can't even agree on the best interior colour schemes for the best onboard ambience let alone social conventions.
At no point did I say it should be a rule that people shouldn’t whistle, I simply said I just can’t think why anyone would decide it a good idea to start whistling on a train, and that I think its inconsiderate as it’s an obvious disturbance. But if you disagree, I’ll accept that, I don’t want to fill this thread with cases of running in circles.
 

Bantamzen

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At no point did I say it should be a rule that people shouldn’t whistle, I simply said I just can’t think why anyone would decide it a good idea to start whistling on a train, and that I think its inconsiderate as it’s an obvious disturbance. But if you disagree, I’ll accept that, I don’t want to fill this thread with cases of running in circles.
May I suggest you check who I was responding to in my last post...?
 

TT-ONR-NRN

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Noise-canceling headphones are a great solution to most of these issues. IMHO a few-second whistle is no big deal. Anyone who is arrogant enough to whistle an entire song would get a look from me if I did not have my headphones on.
And normally I do put my headphones in, but loud music in the ears gets uncomfortable or even painful at times, and should we really have to resort to that just to block out people choosing to sing on public transport?

I am referring to a persistent whistle, not a few seconds.

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May I suggest you check who I was responding to in my last post...?
I’m well aware you were responding to Parjon, but by making the same argument you’ve made throughout the thread, which I created suggesting that whistling on trains was inconsiderate, and not to say it should be outlawed.

Very interesting to hear different points of view on this though. Honestly, I did hesitate before pressing “Post thread,” thinking is there any point having a thread on this when surely everyone will think the same thing - that it’s discourteous behaviour? Clearly not everyone does.

Here’s an interesting one… does anyone here often whistle while sat aboard a train? And if so, is that because somehow it hasn’t really occurred to you that it may irritate people (or you may assume it wouldn’t), or do you simply not care?
 

occone

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I tend to think of whistling as something one does when walking contentedly, or done along to music being played.

If someone was whistling to someone else's music being blasted out of their phone in the carriage I might consider adding table top percussion if it would get the person playing music out loud to get the hint.
 

BrummieBobby

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Oh the arguments about people who bring smelly food up to the desks in an office, or worse, put it in the microwave!

How much of this problem is caused by offices not having adequate welfare facilities for the number of staff that work there? Certainly in my time in the Civil Service (2005 to 2016) there was a noticeable decline in the number and quality of ovens, microwaves, kitchen tables, chairs, quiet / break out rooms etc. A number of buildings have even been cited for lacking adequate numbers of toilets.

A lack of such facilities means that more people are likely to eat at their desk.
 

Purple Train

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I whistle subconsciously, so have probably done so on a train. I often don't really know that I am whistling until I'm told: I can hear it, but it doesn't translate into a message along the lines of, "You are whistling. Stop. Now." I occasionally whistle a tune (which sounds tuneful in my head, so is tuneless to the listener, as with most whistling), but more often than not it's something I make up on the spot - I call it an experiment, you may call it what you wish :D
The long and short of it: were a ban on whistling to be imposed, I would probably end up falling foul of it without realising. Judging by the amount of posts on here that detail a dislike for whistling, I think it might be prudent if I steer clear of any Forum Meets...
 

TT-ONR-NRN

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I tend to think of whistling as something one does when walking contentedly,
Yes, or something to do while taking out the bins, or doing some gardening or something. Not while sat on a train surrounded by sixty other passengers.

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I whistle subconsciously, so have probably done so on a train. I often don't really know that I am whistling until I'm told: I can hear it, but it doesn't translate into a message along the lines of, "You are whistling. Stop. Now." I occasionally whistle a tune (which sounds tuneful in my head, so is tuneless to the listener, as with most whistling), but more often than not it's something I make up on the spot - I call it an experiment, you may call it what you wish :D
The long and short of it: were a ban on whistling to be imposed, I would probably end up falling foul of it without realising. Judging by the amount of posts on here that detail a dislike for whistling, I think it might be prudent if I steer clear of any Forum Meets...
I don’t think it should be banned and never suggested so, but my question would be how would you react if someone politely informed you that you were whistling and asked if you would please stop?
 

Purple Train

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I don’t think it should be banned and never suggested so, but my question would be how would you react if someone politely informed you that you were whistling and asked if you would please stop?
I stop when I'm told, but can and do subconsciously start again once my mind's been distracted from the warning.
I also don't believe I suggested that you suggested it should be banned: I was using a hypothetical situation in which it was banned, that I hope has not been suggested by anybody.
 

Calthrop

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I recall a journey in Spain, a good many years ago; smoking by passengers had been, quite recently as of then I think, forbidden throughout all passenger trains. There were stickers in a humorous vein, on train windows, reminding passengers of this: cartoon of a steam locomotive with a giant, lit, cigarette protruding from its chimney; with a caption which read, translated, to the effect of "Trains don't smoke any more; please, don't smoke on the train". One might envisage a relevant adaptation, to the subject of this thread...
 

VauxhallandI

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I stop when I'm told, but can and do subconsciously start again once my mind's been distracted from the warning.
I also don't believe I suggested that you suggested it should be banned: I was using a hypothetical situation in which it was banned, that I hope has not been suggested by anybody.
Maybe you could try hypnotherapy?

Its a very annoying habit and completely pointless
 

TT-ONR-NRN

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Maybe you could try hypnotherapy?

Its a very annoying habit and completely pointless
That’s predominantly what makes me confused as to why someone would do it on a train. Watching Netflix without headphones is for entertainment. Feet on seats is for comfort. So there’s a reason to do those frowned upon things - though I’d hope people wouldn’t - but what benefit do people get from whistling on a train? It seems to me just an annoyance for not even any selfish gain!
 

Bevan Price

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I have no objection to whistling, but it is a long time since I heard much whistling. Perhaps that is related to the lack of melody in much modern pop music. It must be difficult to try and whistle (or hum) (c)rap "music".

(I used to whilstle myself many years ago, but lost that ability when I lost a front tooth. )
 

SCDR_WMR

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That’s predominantly what makes me confused as to why someone would do it on a train. Watching Netflix without headphones is for entertainment. Feet on seats is for comfort. So there’s a reason to do those frowned upon things - though I’d hope people wouldn’t - but what benefit do people get from whistling on a train? It seems to me just an annoyance for not even any selfish gain!
Who says there isn't even a 'selfish gain'? I whistle when in a good mood, it keeps me happy. Same as singing or playing air drums/guitar to music. The being on a train bit is no relevant to the person doing the whistling.

Clearly whistling is a very Marmite subject. I don't find it annoying, I don't do it whilst on a train but not necessarily due to me thinking it's something I shouldn't do.

There are many habits people have that I find annoying, there are probably habits I have that other find annoying about me too. If someone asked me to stop then I respectfully would do, but whistling is hardly the worst crime in the world.
It's level with finger cracking, sucking teeth, loud mobile device notifications (especially when someone sends/receives many texts in a short period rather than a single long text).

Seems very much like a reflection of wider society to me, people should not have fun or be happy as it could offend/irritate someone else.
 

Bantamzen

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Who says there isn't even a 'selfish gain'? I whistle when in a good mood, it keeps me happy. Same as singing or playing air drums/guitar to music. The being on a train bit is no relevant to the person doing the whistling.

Clearly whistling is a very Marmite subject. I don't find it annoying, I don't do it whilst on a train but not necessarily due to me thinking it's something I shouldn't do.

There are many habits people have that I find annoying, there are probably habits I have that other find annoying about me too. If someone asked me to stop then I respectfully would do, but whistling is hardly the worst crime in the world.
It's level with finger cracking, sucking teeth, loud mobile device notifications (especially when someone sends/receives many texts in a short period rather than a single long text).

Seems very much like a reflection of wider society to me, people should not have fun or be happy as it could offend/irritate someone else.
We will all have things that get on our nerves, and we will all have traits that get on other people's. And that is something we simply have to live with, despite what some people may think. I know some people would love for everyone to be quiet, never move, talk, use their mobiles, eat, drink, cough, sniff, sneeze and never sit next or close to them on trains. But this is something that is never going to happen, people are people and not everyone gets irritated at thought of anyone else living and breathing near to them. If someone is being really anti-social like being loud, or threatening etc then there is a reason to get agitated. But if someone is whistling a tune because they are having a good day, sorry but people need to either accept that they might be happy and be pleased for them, or if not use some headphones to listen to some music or something.

Sadly as you say it does seem like a reflection on today's society, people can't tolerate other people and especially resent other people being happy. What an age to live in...
 

Parjon

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You're not in charge so you don't get to decide this.

The bylaws state that you shouldn't interfere in the comfort of other passengers. So, actually, society has already decided in this country that you are in the wrong. That people don't have to take avoiding action to accommodate you.

I'm sure you can contain your "happiness" for the duration of a train journey without needing to dominate a rail carriage.

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Sadly as you say it does seem like a reflection on today's society, people can't tolerate other people and especially resent other people being happy. What an age to live in...
What an emotionally incontinent age where asking for short periods of common courtesy is seen as some extraordinary suppression or resentment of happiness, indeed.
 
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Bantamzen

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You're not in charge so you don't get to decide this.

The bylaws state that you shouldn't interfere in the comfort of other passengers. So, actually, society has already decided in this country that you are in the wrong. That people don't have to take avoiding action to accommodate you.

I'm sure you can contain your "happiness" for the duration of a train journey without needing to dominate a rail carriage.

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What an emotionally incontinent age where asking for short periods of common courtesy is seen as some extraordinary suppression or resentment of happiness, indeed.
"Ladies & Gentlemen, please refrain from any displays of happiness, contentment or love, as this is now considered to be 'emotionally incontinent' to some members of our society"

Ye gods, I am lost for words...
 

gg1

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This thread brings back memories of college when I was 18. The quickest route required 2 buses, in the morning the second bus always had the same driver rostered who whistled literally the entire journey every day. After a month of this I ended up changing to a completely different route which required 3 buses and took 20 minutes longer just so I didn't have to put up with him.

As an aside, the presence of annoying passengers is the main reason I'm personally opposed to the idea of compulsory seat reservations on trains, I like having the option of moving to a different seat or carriage if I wish.
 
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