It's time to learn elevator etiquette.
Office work in this modern age involves the use of the lift. But it surprises me that some people still have no idea how to behave when catching one.
Working in a city office tower, where a certain company has tenancy of seven floors, I'm delayed continually by staff taking the lift just one floor and they don't even acknowledge the inconvenience they are causing.
There are three types of "one floorers" that really bug me:
Me generation
These people don't care about anyone else in the lift. If one of them has to go one floor, everyone else is expected to wait. The only thing that matters is his or her own comfort, feelings and self-esteem. Using the stairs is for the lower class and such degradation is below a "me" gen member.
Should but can'tThere are certain people who make it immediately obvious why they are taking the lift and not the stairs.
It might be something to do with the doughnut and cup of coffee in their hand, or the buckle threatening to burst out of the last notch on their belt.
Everyone in the lift thinks to themselves that these people really should be making an effort and taking the stairs. But then, how would they hold onto the handrail with a doughnut in one hand and a coffee in the other? Maybe they've already come perilously close to over-balancing on the top step?
Suddenly we hate ourselves and feel guilty for judging them. If they'd just taken the stairs in the first place, we wouldn't be faced with this guilt.
Door bangersAnd then there are the "door bangers". The lift door is closing and these people, in a desperate hurry to go to some ultra-important meeting, stick a hand in the door and open it. And then they push the button to go one floor. Have some respect for all those already in the lift - if the door is closing, get a clue and wait for the next one.
This country is overweight because people find comfort in lethargy. Most of those who are out of shape should take the stairs but don't. Most couldn't care less about making others wait for them. These are the same people driving at the speed limit or slower in the fast lane on the freeway. The same ones that bring 20 items into the nine-items-or-less lane at the supermarket. They feel the world revolves around them and others should just get used to waiting, because they think it is their privilege. While it is their right to take the lift one floor, they just don't know how to find pleasure in helping others.
If you're going a short distance, taking the stairs rather than the lift is just plain good manners. It's the same as moving into the left lane, holding the door open for people carrying a heavy load, and giving up your seat on the bus or train. Selflessness is a virtue.
