Jerky Dad (JD): This man put his seat down, and my wife is uncomfortable.

The flight attendant turned to my dad.

FA: Would you like to keep your seat down?

My Dad: Yes, please.

The flight attendant nodded.

FA: Well then, he can if he wants to. That’s not his problem. Have a nice flight.

With that, the flight attendant walked away, leaving the father muttering angrily under his breath.

Now, for those wondering how it all ended: The parents quickly realized what had happened. After a few whispered words between them, the kid finally stopped kicking my seat. That didn’t mean they stopped glaring at me, my dad, or even the flight attendant whenever he passed by.

My dad, satisfied that they had learned their lesson, kept his seat reclined for another hour before finally sitting up again.

Lesson learned: If you don’t respect other passengers, don’t expect them to go out of their way to accommodate you.