Thoughts on Elevator Behavior

I ride the elevator every day at work. Sometimes multiple times. And every time, I grow a tiny bit anxious at the awkward interactions I'll have while on the elevator. Let me define the different types.

Scenario 1: When you're riding the elevator with someone to the same floor, the doors open and then there's that awkward hesitation of who will go first. Or, sometimes there's no hesitation and you both end up awkwardly at the door at the same time and then both say (at the same time) "Go ahead." And so then you both try to exit again at the same time and have to go through the whole routine of saying "Go ahead" again until finally one person just takes the bold step out the door.

Scenario 2: You're in a crowded elevator and you end up in the back, but you have to get off at one of the first stops. Then you either have to push through the crowd to get to the elevator door as you politely say "excuse me, excuse me, excuse me" to every person you shove out of the way or you have to have half the elevator exit so you can get off.

Scenario 3: When the doors are beginning to shut on the elevator right as you walk up and the people inside see you and you see them. A variety of things can happen in this situation. 1) The people on the inside scramble to find the "door open" button as you scramble on the outside to push the elevator button. 2) You just stand there awkwardly starring at them as the door shuts mouthing the whole "go ahead, I'll catch the next one" or 3)(The most bold of them all) You shove whichever appendage you choose between the doors in an effort to get them to stay open. At my office, this is a bold move, indeed. It practically takes the Jaws of Life to get those elevator doors to come open.

Scenario 4: You're riding the elevator up (usually in the morning) with only one or two other people and as they (or You) get off the elevator at your appropriate floor you give the uncomfortable but polite "have a nice day." It's just awkward and strange.

Scenario 5: At any time, riding the elevator with only one other person that you don't know. Let me just say I despise elevator small talk. I mean, seriously, what can you possibly discuss with someone you don't know in the span of 3 minutes? Sure, I like to meet new people and all, but the elevator is not a prime location for striking up a conversation. Let's say you do try to meet the stranger in the elevator with you. When the elevator opens and it's time for you to both exit, 2 minutes later, what do you do? Continue your brief introduction in the lobby? Sit down and discuss world peace over coffee? It's just an uncomfortable situation. I'll be honest, most of the time when I get in the elevator on my way out for the day, I pull out my cell phone not because I want to talk to anybody or need to check messages, but mostly so I don't have to make uncomfortable conversation with the stranger in the elevator about how pleasant (or unpleasant) the weather is. Especially considering we live in Florida. Wow, it's hot and sunny today. What a surprise.

Scenario 6: When you're waiting on a middle floor to get on an elevator and the doors open to an elevator and you start to get on when you realize you need to go up and this elevator is going down. Sometimes, I suppose, it's just nice to go for a little ride on the elevator, eh?

Okay, so I'm sure there are more, but let's just say that elevators make me uncomfortable. Seriously. I know I'm strange, but we all knew this before. In college, I took the stairs most of the time (it's also a great work out!), but now with my job, taking 6 flights of stairs in heels just doesn't seem all that fun. I don't think I can sprint them like I did in college. But maybe I should pack my tennis shoes in my bag just for that occasion.