Lift Liaisons
December 13th 2006 02:28
I’m a self-confessed socio-phobe. I DREAD social situations and encounters where I know I am going to have to sustain conversation for more than a short period of time and this is just with people I know!
One of the most bizarre social encounters you will ever be forced into, is in a public lift. Think about it! You’re thrown into this tiny space, most often with people you’ve never met before in your entire life... So what happens next?
I think the lift would be a more comfortable place if we all knew the correct etiquette.
Do you acknowledge everyone when you enter and those who enter after you? If so, is a polite nod enough or is small talk obligatory? Would it make everyone happier if there was a universal law to pretend others in transit do not exist or is this considered rude?
All I know is I HATE being in a lift with other people. I edge closer and closer to the door the whole way, so that I practically fall out when I finally get to my destination. I’m so unnerved wondering if I should have said “hello”, if I did, should I have said more? The worst is at work when I either vaguely know someone or I know I should. Even if you do say something, does this have to be maintained up or down however many levels?
My feeling is that we should get some ground rules for lift travel in place. They can be on a plaque just beside the emergency phone. We shall call it the Code of Honour For Lift Liaisons. So come on people, what sort of rules should we put in place?
* Wikipedia
** Flickr
One of the most bizarre social encounters you will ever be forced into, is in a public lift. Think about it! You’re thrown into this tiny space, most often with people you’ve never met before in your entire life... So what happens next?
*
I think the lift would be a more comfortable place if we all knew the correct etiquette.
Do you acknowledge everyone when you enter and those who enter after you? If so, is a polite nod enough or is small talk obligatory? Would it make everyone happier if there was a universal law to pretend others in transit do not exist or is this considered rude?
All I know is I HATE being in a lift with other people. I edge closer and closer to the door the whole way, so that I practically fall out when I finally get to my destination. I’m so unnerved wondering if I should have said “hello”, if I did, should I have said more? The worst is at work when I either vaguely know someone or I know I should. Even if you do say something, does this have to be maintained up or down however many levels?
My feeling is that we should get some ground rules for lift travel in place. They can be on a plaque just beside the emergency phone. We shall call it the Code of Honour For Lift Liaisons. So come on people, what sort of rules should we put in place?
**
* Wikipedia
** Flickr
| 190 |
| Vote |
Comments (9)
Add Comments
