London, Aug 3: Commuters on a train employ all kinds of tactics to avoid interaction with other travellers. These include the “hate stare” or one that says “don’t bother me”, says a new study. The study by Yale University says commuters use many other tactics, including putting their bag on the next seat, checking the phone, putting on headphones and pretending to be asleep. The research published in journal Symbolic Interaction found that the tactics had nothing to do with age, race or social background, but based on people’s desire for comfort.  Passengers keep a free seat by leaning against the window and stretching their legs out, pretending to be asleep and putting a large bag on the seat. Some put a coat on the seat so it looks taken, while others lie and say it is already occupied by someone else. Passengers even sit in the aisle seat with music turned up so they can pretend not to hear when someone asks for the empty window seat. Some place several items on the spare seat and people find it is too much hassle waiting for them to be moved. Some commuters gaze out the window with a blank stare, while some just avoid eye contact. One rider told the study the objective was just getting through the ride, and that fat people who sweat more and may be more likely to smell should be avoided. (IANS)