When you find yourself in a situation where the person next to you on a plane falls asleep and their head leans onto your shoulder, it can indeed be uncomfortable and awkward. How you handle the situation depends on your personal comfort level and the relationship you want to establish with the other person. Here are some approaches you can consider:
Assess the situation: Before taking any action, consider whether the person is elderly, has special needs, or might be in a vulnerable state. If they are in a deep sleep or seem to need support, you might want to be more understanding and accommodating.
Gentle nudge: If you're comfortable with physical contact, you can give the person a gentle nudge or a slight shift in your body to indicate that they are encroaching on your space. Often, a subtle movement can be enough to prompt them to adjust their position without needing to wake them up.
Reposition: You can subtly adjust your body position, such as leaning away from the person or repositioning your shoulders, to create more space and encourage them to move.
Use a travel pillow or blanket: If you have a travel pillow or a blanket, you can place it between you and the other person to create a barrier and make them aware of the boundaries.
Wake them up politely: If the person's head is causing you significant discomfort and none of the above methods work, you can gently wake them up and politely explain the situation. You can say something like, "Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you, but your head is leaning onto my shoulder. Would you mind adjusting your position a bit?"
Ask a flight attendant for help: If you feel uncomfortable waking the person up or they continue to encroach on your space after being informed, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for assistance. They are trained to handle such situations and can help find a suitable solution.
It's essential to be polite and understanding in any interaction, especially if the person is elderly or appears to be in a vulnerable state. While it's okay to assert your personal boundaries, doing so with kindness and empathy is crucial. You can avoid coming off as a jerk by using a respectful tone and expressing your concerns in a non-confrontational manner. Remember that it's a challenging situation for both parties, and handling it with grace and consideration can lead to a more positive experience for everyone involved.