do you need a hand ?   no , I can handle it . Thanks anyway .   are you sure you don't need any help ?   well , maybe just a little . I can't seem to make it fit .   I swear , the overhead compartments on these planes just keep getting smaller and smaller !   that's so true . thanks for your help . Are you in the aisle seat in this row ?   yes . What about you ?   I'm in the middle seat .   oh , I guess I'll let you through then .   thanks . sorry for making you get out of your seat again .   that's alright . I notice you have a few newspapers there . Would you mind lending me one ?   no , not at all . Which one would you like--the New York Times or the Guardian ?   I prefer the British paper , but I'll read whatever one you aren't going to read right away .   I was just going to do a little Sudoku while we wait for the plane to take off , so the Guardian is all yours .   thanks a lot . That's really nice of you . Would you like a piece of gum ? 