They are known for being awkward and uncomfortable. Usually your riding with complete strangers, sometimes with people you barely know...no matter--they are awkward. Do you try to have conversations with the people you are in such close quarters with? Do you avoid eye contact? Do you hold the doors for someone you see running towards the elevator as its closing? So many situations can arise in those few minutes you are on the elevator.
For me, the most universally awkward moments associated with elevators is in fact when the doors are slowly closing. You think quickly, should I run for it or should I wait for the next elevator? Crap, you just made eye contact with someone inside--now they know you want on. Do you they hold it open for you or do they awkwardly stare at you as you run towards them? Most importantly, do they care? Now its probably a good idea to play it safe and catch the next one because if you do get on, there is bound to be tension...after all, that b* didn't want you on in the first place.
A few days ago my psychology professor posed the question "What if a guy walked into a crowded elevator and faced towards the back for the entire ride?" How odd, right? But it really got me thinking what would happen if this were a real situation...
For me, the most universally awkward moments associated with elevators is in fact when the doors are slowly closing. You think quickly, should I run for it or should I wait for the next elevator? Crap, you just made eye contact with someone inside--now they know you want on. Do you they hold it open for you or do they awkwardly stare at you as you run towards them? Most importantly, do they care? Now its probably a good idea to play it safe and catch the next one because if you do get on, there is bound to be tension...after all, that b* didn't want you on in the first place.
A few days ago my psychology professor posed the question "What if a guy walked into a crowded elevator and faced towards the back for the entire ride?" How odd, right? But it really got me thinking what would happen if this were a real situation...
I think we are now talking extreme discomfort. Imagine being the person standing right in front of him...you look him in the eye or avoid eye contact at any cost? Would you think he is crazy? Would you get off at the next stop? After all, he must he insane if he is facing everyone; why would he want to look at strangers the whole ride? I feel like there are a bunch of unwritten and unspoken rules for riding an elevator, but they’re inherited as a kid and some people never really catch on. Failure to abide by these unspoken rules will no doubt result in awkward situations.
Either way, the social atmosphere created by elevators is inherently weird. It can’t be changed, it can only be observed and studied because no matter what, elevator rides will forever be the home of awkward situations.
Either way, the social atmosphere created by elevators is inherently weird. It can’t be changed, it can only be observed and studied because no matter what, elevator rides will forever be the home of awkward situations.
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