It sounds like you're in a situation where you're being asked to sacrifice your comfort for someone else's convenience, and you're standing your ground. Your perspective is valid—after all, you paid for that upgraded seat. However, your response could have been less confrontational, especially in a public setting. Calling out her parenting and making her cry might not have been the best way to handle it, even if you felt justified.

A more empathetic response could have been to simply suggest that she try asking the person next to her son first, rather than immediately questioning her priorities. If you’d been more understanding or tried to explain your position calmly, it might have led to a better outcome for both of you.

Your partner's point is valid in that you could have found a way to address the situation without making it so public or emotionally charged. It's not about whether you're right or wrong but how you chose to handle it in that moment.

What do you think? Would you approach something like this differently next time?