i-what?

Okay, so ipods. Great invention, yes? I love mine. I use it to/from work and when I run. Ha, kidding. I don't run. :)

A few months ago, I was on the metro, sitting on one of the inside-facing seats right by the doors. The car was full, but not packed. There was a woman sitting next to me, middle aged, probably 50's or so. My music was on, I was not really paying much attention, until I saw her flailing her arms wildly. I looked at her and she said something. I took the bud out of my ear and she said, in a very nasty tone, "your music is so loud, turn it down."

I was mortified.

I've always thought myself to be a considerate person. I'm careful not to take up more then my seat on the metro. I always offer my seat to someone older, with children, pregnant, with a cane, etc etc etc. I move in if I have an empty seat next to me, so someone else can sit down.

I quickly turned it down so low that I could barely hear it myself, my face beet red with embarrasment, feeling the stares from the other riders. Luckily, my stop was next, so I got off immediately.

Now, I find myself often paranoid that my music is too loud and people are annoyed by it. There are times when I don't have my ipod, and I can hear the music from someone elses, but I don't say anything to them.

Do you say something to someone with loud music? Do you worry that your music is bothering others? How do you know when it is too loud?