Elevator Etiquette - The unspoken code!

The first question that might have popped into your head is "wait what? There's one?" Well there is! It's almost never spoken of and you're expected to know of it; at least what we make of it. There are several guidelines to keep in my next time you travel on an elevator; just to make the uncomfortable seconds spent in a claustrophobic enclosure, bearable and tolerable.

1. Two flight rule

Waiting for the elevator just to get to the floor above you just because you are lazy to climb twenty four stairs is inexcusable. However this doesn't apply to those with ailments and physical difficulties. Specifically for those who are lazy; the time you spent waiting until the elevator reached the floor you're in, could have been used to give those legs some exercise. If exercise doesn't sound like motivation, try calories! You burn quite a few if you do make climbing a habit. Why waste money running on a treadmill. Start climbing stairs!

2. Overcrowded? Step out!

Reached the maximum weight overload on the elevator and no one is willing to step out? Well, be the bigger person and step out and save a life. Overloaded elevators are unsafe and your life doesn't change drastically if you do not get in at this very instance. Let the one's in a hurry remain while you wait for the next turn or simply use stairs if it is a short journey. Some even expect those who got in last to step out as courtesy; on the note of first come first served basis.

3. Spread out!

It's bad enough that you're stuck in a claustrophobic enclosed place most likely with a stranger that you have to be glued to them when there are means of spreading out. Elevator rides are always awkward and silent, thus try your best not to stare at the person next to you as it may make them feel odd or uncomfortable. Find your own corner, or place yourself in a manner so that the others on the elevator won't feel threatened by your behaviour.

4. No mobile phones - smart or not!

You might be blocked off of signal, yet you may try to meddle with your phone or worse engage in a phone call. It is absolutely fine if you're alone in an elevator, but a definite no if you've got company. Many claim that they feel disturbed especially, overhearing stranger's conversations since elevator rides are almost meditative to most and peace and tranquillity is expected.

5. Position of operator.

No matter what a big shot you are; how many company's you own, or even if you're the president of a country, once you're positioned next to the elevator buttons or if you are in closest proximity, unanimously you become the elevator operator. (If there isn't one assigned)  Whenever an individual enters and acknowledges you by telling them their designated floor, you do not ignore them, but merely give the button a push which might receive a polite thank you, soon after.

6. Too much luggage and many in waiting.

If you are in the possession of heavy luggage and packages, awaiting your turn in a large group, either wait until the elevator is empty or request permission from others, courteously. Many people tend to feel suffocated when they're mounded by an overload of your possessions and it might in turn look rude as elevators commonly carry the weight of people. If you're carrying heavy packages make sure that they are piled up in a corner causing the least convenience to those inside or wait for a free turn.

7. Look out for closing doors.

Elevators don't have brains unlike those who use them. Whenever a door closes make sure there's no one attempting to enter as it is awfully painful when an elevator closes on you and is extremely dangerous if a hand or finger gets caught between the doors.  Either keep pressing the open button until everyone is safely inside or use your hand to hold in the doors so that automatic closing can be prevented.

8. Facing front.

Closed space and a staring contest is no fun on an elevator ride. Always face forward as you get in or look at the pane which indicates the current floor if you have absolutely no direction to look at. Placing your back on the elevator doors may portray a confrontational- situations pose adding on to the awkwardness. It is safe to be facing a particular direction as long as your back is against an elevator wall but strictly not the door.

Make elevator rides bearable even though it may be just a few seconds spent with a bunch of strangers!

By Eshani Seneviratne