The Unwritten Rules of Elevator Etiquette
Is This Your Floor?
As someone who has spent way too much time in elevators, I’ve come to realize that there are some unwritten rules of elevator etiquette that everyone should know.
Whether it’s the order in which people enter or the way we all nervously avoid eye contact, these rules are just a part of the elevator experience.
First and foremost, there’s the order in which people enter the elevator.
It’s almost always a first come, first serve situation, with the exception of those with disabilities or other special needs. However, if you’re in a rush and need to get to your floor ASAP, it’s considered rude to push your way to the front of the line.
Next, there’s the issue of personal space.
Most people are all too aware of the limited space in an elevator, so we all do our best to keep as much distance between ourselves and our fellow passengers as possible.
This often leads to a game of “elevator Tetris,” where people are constantly shifting and adjusting their positions to avoid physical contact.
When it comes to buttons, most people seem to have a “one person, one button” rule.
This means that if you’re getting off on the fifth floor, you shouldn’t press the button for the sixth floor just because your friend is getting off there too. It’s considered rude to make someone else wait for you.
Lastly, there’s the issue of eye contact.
For some reason, most of us seem to feel uncomfortable making eye contact with the other people in the elevator.
Maybe it’s because we’re all too aware of the limited space and personal proximity, or maybe it’s because we’re all just trying to avoid any unnecessary conversation. Whatever the reason, it’s just one of those things that most people seem to accept as part of the elevator experience.
And most importantly, if you’re the last person to get off the elevator, make sure you hold the door open for anyone who may be running to catch it. Trust me, you’ll be the hero of the elevator if you do.
So next time you’re in an elevator, just remember these simple rules and you’ll be the most popular person in the elevator.
Shout-out to these two lovely people!