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?
6 comments:
I, too, am a silent elevator rider. But I think it would be awesome if you decided to become "that guy" who always turns to the person in the elevator with him and says something like, "What's the best part of your day so far?" or "Have a favorite place for lunch around here?" or "What's something you've always wanted to try but never have?"
i've noticed too how elevator etiquette is very odd. i work on the 9th floor and i stare at the door or the floor. and i don't like it when someone gets on and leans against the side wall and faces my side, seemingly staring right at my head. and there have been many times i've worried about my safety while riding in a tiny box up/down 9 floors with some strange man. if he has a key to stop that thing, i'm in big trouble. i also don't like it when someone gets on at one floor and gets off at the next. guys, there are stairs for that. also, sometimes i take the stairs when i see who is waiting for the elevator and i don't want to make small talk for 9 floors!
i like to say hello to people on the elevator...I am so rarely on them that when I am I am looking all over the place and guessing why the other people are on the elevator.
I'm definitely the, "Good morning. How are you today?" person. Although you can usually tell when the other person just wants to be left alone. But often a smile and a "good morning" go a long way in melting the ice.
Then there is the guy who comes in when you are already on the elevator, and rather than make the time last for any longer than he has to, he pushes the button where he's heading multiple times, even if it's the same button you've already pushed and is currently lit. It always makes me think, "Am I really that unwelcoming of a cab buddy?"
another thing that bugs me to no end is when i'm standing there waiting for the elevator, and someone comes up... and pushes the button AGAIN. are you kidding me? do i look like i'm just standing here for fun? do you think that's going to bring it here faster?
AND, another thing is when the people waiting bum-rush the opening door without waiting for people to get off first, then they have to stop, step back, and let people pass, which takes twice as long as if they'd just checked first. hurry hurry hurry!
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