Good Manners?

When my mother was visiting back in September, we noticed that every time we got on the bus or Tube, if seats were scarce, someone would get up and offer her theirs. It's not like my mom is a dinosaur, but she is - in the local lingo - a pensioner. This gesture, which happened every single time we were in this situation, really impressed us. It was so mannerly and respectful.
Since then I have seen it happen countless times. I have seen young people - male and female - nearly get into a row about who will give up the seat. I've even offered my seat a time or two.
Well, tonight Keith and I hopped on the bus for a short hop to the Tube stop. It was rush hour and the bus was crowded. I was standing up.
A young man tapped me on the shoulder and offered me his seat.
"Oh no, I'm fine," I said. We weren't going that far and I wasn't even carrying a purse.
He insisted, so I sat.
When it happened to my mother, it was such good manners. When it happened to me, I just felt OLD.