AITA for refusing to move from a comfy chair in a coffee shop?

A Redditor shared an experience in a coffee shop where a group asked her to give up her seat at the largest table so they could sit together. She chose to stay, prioritizing her comfort as she was there first, which led to the group leaving upset. Read the full story below to see if you think her decision was fair.

‘ AITA for refusing to move from a comfy chair in a coffee shop?’

I (23f) recently moved to a new place and am getting to know my neighborhood. A week ago I found a small coffee shop with great cake. So yesterday I went for a coffee. I freelance so I set my own hours. The coffee shop is relatively small, with under 10 tables available.

I sat at the most comfortable looking chair in the shop, one of four chairs at the biggest table. I was a little into my drink and cake when a group of 4 middle-aged people asked me if I could move so they could sit together there.

All 4 were on the larger size and I could understand how they would be uncomfortable on other seats in the shop. The one I was sitting in had high back, arm rests and was plush with soft leather. I, however, would also like to sit comfortably. I told them they were free to take the other three chairs and pull an extra one to the table.

They told me they had something to discuss among themselves and would appreciate if I move. Again, I told them I like the chair and I was there first so I would not move. They grumbled about s**fish youngsters, gave me the stink eye, and asked the shop to make their orders to go. When I told my family about this, my mom told me it was s**fish of me to take a table for 4 when I was there by myself. AITA?

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Stormydaycoffee −  If there are other tables that can fit 4 then NTA. You deserve comfortable seating too. But if there’s no other table for 4, its a little inconsiderate to be taking a 4top for you alone, both for other clients and the cafe as well

CakeEatingRabbit −  YTA. Reddit will probably tell you, that it is your right to sit where ever you like and to keep sitting there. But taking the biggest table at a small shop when you are alone is a s**fish move.

This is about moral and in my opinion it is morally wrong to take the biggest table alone. It is bad for the shop and inconsiderate for the other costumers. Again, legally you can do it. Free seating, nothing is reserved.

aphrahannah −  Single people on large tables make me want to do revenge. Signed, a cafe manager

rich-tma −  It’s not to do with the chair, it’s because you took a table with 4 seats in a small cafe. Not only that, but the ‘biggest’ table. The biggest tables are not intended for individuals.. YTA

TheDIYEd −  YTA and I also can’t stand people like you that go and nest in a small shop with their laptop and sit there for hours. Get a desk, a small coffee shop is not your workspace to h** a place for hours…and you are doing that on the biggest table on a small coffee shop, the entitlement is unbelievable.

merps25 −  YTA for taking the biggest table as a solo customer in an already small coffee shop. Next time just move the comfy chair to a smaller table.

Blindy92 −  YTA, staying solo at a table for 4 people is a d**k move any way you see it(at least from my point of view). Unless there is another table like that you are the a**hole. Your mother was right especially given it sounded like a small business, yes they took the order to go but could have just as easily go some where else.

PieknaFatso −  YTA. Nothing to do with a comfortable chair, but you should sit at a table with the closest number of seats to your requirement.

No-Sandwich1511 −  Firstly commenting on the size of someones body does make you an assholes. Secondly it sounds like it’s a small business and you felt e**itled to take up the biggest table in the place preventing other customers from using it makes you an assholes to the small business trying to survive during hard times preventing them from hosting more customers.

Lastly if the chair was soo important could you not have asked the owner if you could move one of the comfortable chairs to a smaller table? That way you can sit comfortably at a reasonable sized table allowing other customers to also use the coffee shop?

NOT to sound harsh but all in all you sound like and entitles ass who thinks that the world should evolve around your comfort and schedule but you are in good company as there is many like you in the world.

Virtual-Tale-2047 −  The fact that there are other tables that sit 4 makes it softer but I still think YTA. You sound quite s**fish. Standing around waiting for a seat when you just want to have a coffee with a friend and leave within the hour only to find 90% of the store is filled with people with laptops/homework sitting for hours on end is infuriating.

When I am eating with a friend and the store fills up, we always try to wrap up a bit early so that others can be served and enjoy whatever the place has to offer. Being considerate to those around you contributes to being a nice, pleasant person.

Another solution could be cafes having a work area, and an actually-want-to-have-a-coffee area. Or just kicking people out after 90 minutes, which is more than fair. In the meantime: be nice and sit on the bar or a single table.

Do you think the Redditor was right to hold onto her seat, or should she have accommodated the group? How would you balance personal comfort with the needs of others in a similar situation? Share your thoughts below!