after experiencing an especially socially awkward situation today, i’m running an experiment and i’d love feedback if you have any.
Scene
- an elevator
- an office building
- Pittsburgh
- (but could be any elevator, in any building, in any city)
Background
- when i am on an elevator by myself, i always walk to either side, push the button i need, and stay on the side, typically leaned against the wall until my stop
- if i happen to not be close to the wall, and someone else gets on, i immediately move against the wall
- i like my space.
- i do not like when people are standing awkwardly close to me when other options are available
Story
- i get on an elevator this afternoon
- there is a woman standing in the absolute center of the elevator, with equal empty space on all sides
- i walk on, heading to the left side, to push the button
- the woman doesn’t move
- i lean against the wall, looking toward the door
- the woman doesn’t move
- i realize the woman is actually standing at an angle, rather than looking directly ahead at the door.
- her angle happens to be in my direction
- the woman continues to stand in the middle of the elevator, facing me, rather than the door
- there is less than one foot of space between her and myself
- the average dimensions of a passenger elevator are 51″ x 80″
- this leaves 39″ x 68″ feet of other space where she could be standing (this might be wrong, i’m bad at math, you get the idea)
Results
- if you are the only person in an elevator, feel free to stand wherever you want
- if someone else gets in, it is polite to move to one side or the other, so as not to invade personal space
- if you happen to be turned a certain direction, it is polite to shift your stance so as not to stare
Further Research
- when you are on an elevator by yourself, where do you stand?
- do you change position when someone else joins you?
- am i completely crazy for being frustrated by this lady?
