Riding in elevators?

Question

Not sure where to post this question, so I picked here. If you're riding in an elevator alone, and another person (or people) get in, what do you do? Do you stare at the floor until it's your turn to get off? Do you make small talk with the other passengers? Do you wring your hands nervously? Do you stare at the reflection in the mirrored doors (if they are mirrored)?

To kholt:

Wow...you certainly have a knack for words. Do you author books for a living? Childrens' books, perhaps? I don't think I've seen such an eloquent post in quite some time.

I assume you're upset about an answer I gave at one of the Pregnancy and Parenting boards, perhaps? I don't think that has absolutely anything to do with this question, which happens to be about riding in elevators.

If you care to discuss this further, you can send me a private message by clicking on my screen name (located directly below my picture.)

To AnnySweety (I think you need a new screen name, as there is certainly nothing "sweet" about you, judging by your post):

I admit I have a dirty mouth...I do swear quite a bit, but not in front of my children. Do you swear in front of yours? Oh wait...that's right...you aborted them! How could I have forgotten? (rolling eyes) So forgetful of me!

At any rate, I don't see how this post that you've left me relates to elevators. If you care to contact me, I'll tell you just like I told the thing that posted the message in front of yours...click on my screen name (below my picture).

This is actually kind of cool...I have stalkers now from another board. Woo hoo! The excitement never ends!

Answer 1

i tell them that i have new socks on.

people either laugh nervously and have this look on their face like " i can't wait to get off " or ignore me.

Answer 2

I would most likely try to make small talk, unless the person seemed scary lol. If there are mirrors I look in them. If there is anything to read I read it. If the person is hot, I flirt!
Researchers say most people when alone will move to the back left corner of the elevator and the new person entering the elevator moves to the back right corner. Don't know if they talk or wring their hands after that lol.

Answer 3

If they make eye contact smile and say hello. If they continue then go for some small talk if not then just look at the floor or the numbers. I always go for small talk because you never know if someone is having a rough day and if some simply caring enough to talk to them will make it a little bit better. If they don't want to talk well.... at least you were being sociable and chances are you won't see them again. ;)

Answer 4

well i agree , riding in elevators can be quite an uncomfortable experience, well sod it why not just shout out loud "look we're bloody in here so lets bloody say something to eachother." dont even get started on the farting. Why not ask and opening statement such as my "mother likes to go for a poo on my father at bed time, what about yours?"

Answer 5

Usually I get in the back of the elevator, do a handstand and sing Don McClain's song "American Pie" in Hebrew, but that's only because I'm not clever enough to come up with something more creative to do.

Answer 6

Smile and proceed to stare at the floor or the numbers above the door.

Answer 7

I am usually courteous and at least make eye contact or say "hi". If standing near the only set of buttons I would more than likely ask them which floor they needed.

Answer 8

Stare at the reflection in the mirror doors.

Answer 9

people usually try to avoid looking at each other, however if your eyes meet, a smile is ok. If you meet the same people on a regular basis (like in an office block) then small talk is fine.

Answer 10

I usually just look straight ahead, hands in my pockets, or cusped infront of me.. dont really think about anyone else in there, its just a mode of transportation. But if someone decides to make conversation, of course I will give them some recognition.

Answer 11

I stand there and look at the floor numbers over the doors.