I was thinking about…

Elevator Etiquette

By Andy Lee

Just a few days ago I was standing in an elevator, minding my own business and patiently waiting for the doors to open. The moment arrives, and I was ready to step out and head to the car to go home, but wait! Before I can take that first step there was a group of three people who started piling in before I could get out of there. It’s like “Hey! Didn’t you get the memo about basic elevator etiquette?”

Now, I’m no Emily Post, but I’m pretty sure I learned this stuff as a kid. It’s really quite simple: when the elevator doors open, you let people exit before barging in like it’s Black Friday at Walmart. It’s not rocket science, folks!

Apparently, this concept is lost on some of the fine people of Nashville, TN. Since moving here, I’ve had more close encounters of the elevator kind than I care to count. It’s like playing a game of human Tetris every time I try to disembark.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not the end of the world by any means. It’s a mere annoyance than anything else, like a button missing on your favorite shirt. You can still wear it, but it’s just not quite right, you know?

But it got me thinking: maybe elevator etiquette is one of those regional quirks, like calling soda “pop” or chili with or without beans. Perhaps down here in the South, the polite thing to do is to pack the elevator like a can of sardines before anyone can escape.

The problem with that, though, is that it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. If everyone’s getting in before others can get out, doesn’t that just create a never-ending cycle of elevator overcrowding? It’s like trying to pour more tea into a glass that’s already full to the brim.

Now, I do not have lofty expectations for my fellow humans. Life’s taught me that keeping the bar low is the key to avoiding disappointment. But come on, y’all. Can we all just agree to let people off the elevator before we start the boarding process? It’s not too much to ask.

In the grand scheme of things, this elevator etiquette issue is just a small blip on the radar. But it’s a reminder that sometimes, the little things can tell us a lot about the world we live in. And if we can’t master the basics of elevator decorum, who knows what other social norms might be sliding?

So, the next time you’re waiting for an elevator, remember: let ’em off before you get on. It’s the polite thing to do, no matter what region you’re in. It’s like returning your shopping cart to the designated area in the parking lot. Sure, you could leave it anywhere, but deep down, you know it’s the right thing to do. It’s a small gesture that shows you care about the people around you and the environment you share. And who knows? You might just start a revolution in elevator etiquette and shopping cart responsibility, one small act of kindness at a time. 🛗🛒✨

Stay courteous, keep on elevating! 😄👍