I started a new job recently, and my office is located on the 10th floor. Counting the parking garage (which is below ground), my daily commute includes four eleven-story elevator rides (one at the beginning and end of day, and two during lunch). With a minimum of 20 eleven-story elevator rides in any given week, I invariably am required to ride with individuals who I either don't know (because I don't work with them) or don't really have anything to say to. Sometimes, if two people come on who know each other well, the cab is filled with chatter all the way up or down. But usually, we stand there in silence. We don't look at each other, we don't say anything, and we either give in to silent fidgeting or cold, heartless staring. It's AWKWARD. I don't say anything, they don't say anything. I don't know what to do. You're in this confined space with strangers and you know that you don't have enough time for a long conversation, but you have too much time to give just a simple glance and smile/head bob.
Soooo, I've used this time to pay attention to people who I'm riding with (somewhat secretly, they're probably paying attention too), and I've noticed that people have different mannerisms or staring proclivities. Some look up at the numbers, some look at the lighted buttons, some look at the wall railings, some look at the floor.
Where would you be most likely to look? What would you think about? How would you pass the time?
