Months later, your words are still ringing true and have proven to be right: there is nothing I can do to change this person or the situation. I hate it, but that is the truth. — KidACrimson 1 min ago

The OP seems to be from Singapore, it is clear from a quick search online that the rules and expectations for priority seating on trains are the same there as they are in the UK. — Spagirl 52 secs ago

he has as much a right to discuss it as you have not to listen. — WendyG 1 min ago

@Noon I've given it a try, I've changed it back to the previous version, but minus '/phrases'. Hopefully this takes it back to close enough to versions Curt had accepted before. I think its a good question which I'd like to see more answers to. In fact, as it's an issue I often have myself, I would be happy to add a modest bounty if it gets reopened. — Spagirl 16 secs ago

@Anon +1 for professional help and a treatment plan that addresses the cause, not the behaviors themselves. — Johns-305 1 min ago

Just say "Yes, I am. I love Candy Crush!" I'm not sure what the problem is here. Your coworker doesn't appear to be accusing you of or implying anything, just making conversation. — only_pro 52 secs ago

@noon This reminded me of a dance class I took. Instructor was male. He told us at the first class: "Guys, sometimes to show you something, I'm going to have to dance the woman's part with you. I understand that you may have problem with that. What you have to understand is, it's your problem". — DaveG 16 secs ago

Do you find you typically have issues like this in any 1-on-1 conversations, or are these problems unique to your interactions with this girl? — Upper_Case 55 secs ago

Personally, my tone of voice is very neutral bordering on monotone too. I have people misinterpret my attempt to make conversation as judgement, but a lot of times they're just bring their baggage into this conversation too. +1 for the examples. — jcmack 37 secs ago