I once traveled with a party of 6: my hubby, DD, about 4 at the time, my 2 boys about 14 and 17 and my mother around 70??
I forgot how I seated everyone, but I could not get us all in 2 rows of 3, but had it so we were all close to each other and everyone had 1 person with them.
My mother and younger son, 6'2" at the time, were across the aisle, one row up from me and my DD. They also had a seat, window, taken by a young girl, about 7?? Her father went to the row and asked if one of them would mind moving to his seat in the emergency row, a row behind me, so he could sit with his daughter. I thought perfect! More legroom for my son. Before anyone said anything I said "E..., why dont you move?" He did, my mother moved to the aisle seat and we all took off.
Fast forward 3 hours later and we land, get off the plane and I say something to my mother and get no response. I say it again and she says "Dont talk to me". Huh ???? "Whats wrong?" Her reply....
Mother - "I hope you know your act of kindness caused me great distress"
Me - Umm... "What are you talking about?"
Mother - "I had to ask a total stranger to open my preztels for me"
I laughed, she got even angrier and would not talk to me for 3 months!!!!! This was years ago and occasionally I bring it up and she still stands by she had the right to be upset. I think it is hilarious and so ridiculous, but thats how she felt.
Bottom line..I dont care who asks in the future (though she doesnt travel much anymore), I will NEVER give up a seat leaving my mother alone! Ill keep your kids entertained
(and start my telling them stories of my crazy mother!!!)