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
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Comment by TonyK
AFL Central
Agree, though hard to flirt or even sustain conversation with anyone on a lift, particularly in this instance when the girl in question only had to go up one level, which obviously takes very little time at all
Generally, a nod or a hello hows it goin usually suffices I would think
Comment by jasmine
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
With strangers I just kind of give a nod or smile and then stare intently at the buttons!! : )
Comment by Ashish
IT Business Analysis
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Yes, awkward conversations are the worst. I went to a party the other day where EVERY conversation with EVERYONE was awkward. I felt sorry for the hosts.
Comment by Chantal
Thanks for stopping by!! I'm in NZ for a little while so continue to read but I may not be able to respond until I get back!
Love Chan x
Comment by Ashish
IT Business Analysis
I have started a forum on orble.
Check it out click here
Comment by Crafty
In South Afica (and most likely every where else) it works like this:
1.) You step into a lift, and if it is empty you smile to your self and wish there was a button you could press that will prevent the lift from stopping at other floors. (some of the old lifts had a hidden function where you could do that.)
1a) You step into the lift and ffind other people in the lift. you give a brief nod and whisper a soft hi (almost so that they cant hear you) then you turn around and stare at the floor indicator, counting down the years it takes to reach your floor.
2.) you step out as soon as the door opens.
Comment by Chantal
Thanks for stopping by! Those are great rules and from my own home town too!!
Thanks,
Chantal