The person in the elevator trying to get out, or the person trying to get in...each accidentally blocking the other?
2007-09-12 14:45:06 · 14 answers · asked by julesl68 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
The person outside the elevator should pause to allow the one in the elevator to exit, and if they did not, should say excuse me for being rude.
The person outside has more room to move around than the person leaving the elevator and therefore should yeild to people trying to leave the elevator.
Once people stop exiting, then people outside the elevator may begin to get on.
2007-09-12 14:55:56 · answer #1 · answered by pink 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
While nicety would demand they both say it, I side with those saying the person ENTERING is more at fault here.
The person exiting the elevator can only go forward out a relatively small exit..they have limited options. If they wait in a corner for those outside to get in, they risk getting "penned in" to the back of the elevator and being stuck instead of getting out.
The person desiring to enter has several options:
1) Step either way sideways to avoid the people exiting (slightly less considerate)
2) Step back a pace for each person exiting (a bit more considerate)
3) Wait in front of the button to the SIDE of the elevator until all have exited, pushing the "hold doors open" button several times if necessary (the MOST considerate choice as it allows room for those exiting to leave while keeping the elevator at the floor needed to enter for themselves and anyone who may rushing from behind to try and catch the elevator)
Etiquette is about COURTESY..trying to help and think about others.
2007-09-12 22:54:00 · answer #2 · answered by Greg R (2015 still jammin') 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I find that usually both wind up saying excuse me if they are polite. But usually people wanting to enter should wait and stand back until the elevator empties before trying to push their way in. That is the most polite way to handle the situation.
2007-09-12 21:57:11 · answer #3 · answered by dawnb 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The person who farted in the elevator before going out.
2007-09-12 23:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by everyone's mom 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Both, to be polite. Or you could just have the person who is going in say it, but I would have them both say it.
2007-09-12 22:31:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd say both.
But technically you should really let people get off the elevator before you try to get in.
2007-09-12 22:08:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
In a perfect world they both should say excuse me just to be polite.
2007-09-12 21:52:37 · answer #7 · answered by Lilkryptonite 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Both should have initiative to say so, who ever goes first, goes first..
As long as you are in someone is in your way, and you need to get somewhere.. which applies to both in this situation.
2007-09-13 13:18:53 · answer #8 · answered by Serendipity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Person coming out: "Pardon me, but do you have the
time?"
Person going in: "Not at the moment. But, if you don't
mind terribly much, I'm in a bit of a hurry."
Person coming out: "Well, excuse me."
Person going in: "No offence, but I don't have time for
any excuses."
Person coming out: "Well! I never!"
Person going in: "I have no idea how to answer that."
Person coming out: "What was the question?"
Person going in: "You asked me if I had the time. And
I already told you... no! That is to say... well, not at
the moment. Now... if you don't mind?"
Person coming out: "Well, surely, you needn't get so
rude about it!"
Person going in: "Don't call me Shirley!"
So, you see, Jules, a person should say "excuse me"
to get an interesting conversation going. Always good
fun, you know.
2007-09-12 22:18:09 · answer #9 · answered by Pete K 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Both of them. Good manners means doing the nice thing.
2007-09-12 21:59:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋