2007-01-12 16:51:37 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
It's a joke people
2007-01-12 16:55:18 · update #1
subbu: Why are elevators in the UK called 'lifts'? Don't they also go down?
2007-01-12 17:01:42 · update #2
where else is there to look?
2007-01-12 16:54:08 · answer #1 · answered by bilinda_82 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its a societal norm. Meaning, its something that as a society we've decided thats what people should do. Try riding in a crowded elevator and face everyone. We had to do an experiment for sociology class in college where we were to go out and break norms like this one - pretty interesting how seemingly unimportant things like that are so engrained in our processes.
2007-01-13 00:55:58 · answer #2 · answered by well now i'm antsy times 4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because everyone in the elevator feels violated cause their personal space of 3 feet diameter around their body is being broken. its all subconscious.
so people have a choice.....stand up and say hey, back up....or like an elevator where being polite is necessary, they just stand there in a blank stare wondering if anyone will bump into them or not.
2007-01-13 00:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think elevator people watch the numbers above the door so they don't miss their floor.
2007-01-13 05:08:37 · answer #4 · answered by Sharyn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally look at the numbers that say what floor you're on. My guess is to avoid eye contact with those who are in the elevator with you.
2007-01-13 00:54:46 · answer #5 · answered by jade_143 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do it i guess we all have at one time or another.I think it is because when are in with someone we don`t know an ma be are a little embarrassed to let them see you look at them.or maybe you just get naives or shy or just in a hurry an wand the doors to get were your going and oped.
2007-01-13 01:02:56 · answer #6 · answered by lion j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well its just that most do not really want to make eye contact with others and well when you face forward the door is really the only thing to look at.
2007-01-13 01:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not me, I always make sure I have reading material with me, usually something stupid like a flyer but that's what I'm looking at during my ride up. It's always my luck to have someone try and start up a lame conversation if I don't appear otherwise occupied.
2007-01-13 01:01:12 · answer #8 · answered by patti duke 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people, even without claustrophobia, do not like to be in elevators.
They're cramped, filled with strangers, and just uncomfortable.
The best way to avoid thinking about it all is to stare at the door 'til it's your floor.
2007-01-13 00:54:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are anxious for the door to open since they are uncomfortable being with all those strangers and they think that by staring at the door, they can make it open faster.
2007-01-13 00:58:55 · answer #10 · answered by Haveitlookedat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because you have to go through the door to get out. Besides wouldn't you wonder about a person who was staring at the back wall when you got on?
2007-01-13 00:55:17 · answer #11 · answered by p.j. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋