The theory of the elevator:
The basic Theory of the elevator is that you push the button to summons it, it stops, you get in and it takes you straight up to the floor of your desire, and you get out. And although this seems very individual, the truth of the matter is in any given building there are a mass of people who also have this master servant relationship with the elevator. You and the elevator are not mutually exclusive! That means when the doors open, there is a good chance there are other people already in side of the elevator. Before you push and shove your way onto this elevator, you might want to take a step back, and see if anyone wants to get off the elevator first. If you do push and shove your way into the elevator right away, you might hear a loud “excuse me” from the back, as I am trying to get you to step aside and let me off. Why is it so hard for some people to imagine that anyone else exists in the world but them? Before you even pushed the elevator button to go up, I was already on the elevator, telling it where I to want to get off, you just happened to be at that stop. If you had not pushed the button, the elevator would have still stopped there. If you were one floor up, the elevator would have still stopped there. If you didn’t exist at all, the elevator would have still stopped there.
I know in the mornings most people are in a rush to get to their desk. I get that. But if you would just step aside, it wouldn’t take me long to get out of the elevator as I am also in a rush. Then you could get on and everyone is happy. Instead of getting onto the elevator in a rush, then getting off again so I can get out, and back on again delaying everyone morning including your own. If you do push your way onto the elevator while someone is trying to exit and end up shoulder checked, say “excuse me” because it’s your fault. Don’t give me that “How dare you” sneer! You do not have the right of way in elevator etiquette.
And finally if the elevator is packed, jam packed, please just wait for the next one. Do not back yourself into me, and try to stuff your rolling luggage that you carry to work every day into an elevator that is already full to the brim. Walk yourself over, push the button again, and wait for the next one. No one, and I mean no one wants to ride down 13 floors with your butt rubbing up against their leg…well maybe someone does, but I am not that person.
I seriously believe if we didn’t walk around each and every one of us with such a huge sense of self importance and focus on our own individual needs, we would be a much better society. Sure your needs are most important to you, and they can take priority. But it’s also okay to let the needs of others into your lives as well, so that when it’s logical to meet the needs of others first, and serves practical reason like the elevator, you do not look like a moron.
