Elevator Etiquette

Living in an apartment building puts me in the elevator quite frequently. And I always find it awkward. Since moving it seems interesting when I get off an elevator. Who gets off first? Is it the last person who walked on or the first person to hustle? Do all guys really let the females off first? This seems to be trending in my short experience in a new town.

I also find that people are actually quite polite, wishing me a good day when I leave the elevator. This doesn't happen where I'm from. In fact where I'm from people tend to hit the close door button frantically just so they won't need to share an elevator with anyone at all. Sadly, I am guilty and have to admit that I've committed that crime once every so often. That's New York for you.

I learned in sociology class that it's common for people to stare at the floors and buttons when on an elevator. I do agree with this. Where else would I look? I don't want to stare at other people because that could do one of two things: it can cause a dirty look in NY or strike up a convo in DC.

But then again you never know where your next love will show up. Maybe we'll have an exchange in the elevator. This has happened before. My parents met in an elevator on a rainy day in Manhattan. My dad was the newbie and my mom had been there a while. Though they worked on different floors, they somehow struck up a conversation and a relationship all thanks to an elevator ride. So I guess anything is possible.

Maybe one day I'll learn the rules of elevator etiquette and maybe I'll finally be able to look someone (shyly) in the face...