Elevator Etiquette

Some things NEVER change:

Over time things change. We don't play 45 records, cell phones aren't gigantic and we don't have transitor radio's but elevators are still intact in buildings and for some, on a daily basis we ride them up and down every day to get to our jobs. I don't, I work on a first floor building so I only ride them when I go to the Doctor, Dentist, etc.

What I do notice is that the etiquette has never faltered over time.

1. No one looks at each other - you wouldn't dare right? It's as if these people are from another planet and if you look at them their eyes will make your head explode. Now, you are allowed to look at the person you are with or a direct co-worker of course, but no stranger at all.

2. If you are talking, talking, talking on the outside of the elevator about your weekend, week night, etc. and you are in the middle of a great story and the doors open and you get in the actual elevator....the conversation must cease until you reach your floor and then you can pick up that conversation when you step out of the elevator area. If you continue talking it's just freaky to everyone on the elevator and very uncomfortable. We don't want to hear personal information about stranger's weekends!

3. People that get on and turn around and look at everyone else are just FREAKS and to do it #1 to make everyone feel uncomfortable or #2 because they are just giant ASSES!

4. Do you notices that no one EVER eats on an elevator. I have never seen ANYONE do this in my life. I think it is just an unspoken rule.

5. When getting on the elevator and there are just a few people it is expected that you are to go to your respected area.
Two people - opposite sides
Three people - sort of a corner to corner position
Four people - Obviously the four corners
More than Five - OK people no one panic just spread out as much as possible

6. Kids - They are either going to push the buttons OR push your buttons by crying, jumping, yelling and it's always going to be that they are going to the highest floor so you have to ride with them the ENTIRE time. Some kind of crazy fate.

7. The guy that tells the joke or tries to make the little quips on the elevator is OK right, and everyone usually laughs right?, and then you get off the elevator and think to yourself, "man I wish I could be more brave like that guy, he just broke elevator etiquette!"

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we could just be ourselves in the elevator!