The main thing I don't love about backwards seats in both planes and trains is it feels much more intimate/invasive with the (presumable) stranger on the other

The main thing I don't love about backwards seats in both planes and trains is it feels much more intimate/invasive with the (presumable) stranger on the other side. Even if in reality they are further away than they'd be if they were facing forward in a normal configuration, having to stare at them for the whole ride is weird. I remember one time in high school I went on a trip with a bunch of classmates and the plane had those seats (just one set if I remember correctly, but I am old...). It was great fun when you knew everyone.