Elevator Etiquette

You would think that riding in an elevator is sufficiently self-explanatory, but apparently it is not. I am fed up with the lack of etiquette that people display when it comes to elevators. I have come up with a list of 10 basic rules of etiquette for elevator riding. Follow these rules and you won't be in danger of getting your head banged against the wall:

1. If you are walking up to an elevator with people in it, do not run up to get on and hold the door open, wait for the next one. This is ESPECIALLY true where there is more than one elevator.

2. If you are on the elevator with others and someone is walking up to the elevator as the doors are about to close, do not stick your foot (or umbrella/book/whatever) to hold the door open for the person. There are 3 other elevators that person can get on. She'll be fine. Let go.

3. Your cell phone does NOT WORK on the elevator so get off of it before you get on. And don't pretend that you are still talking after your phone has cut out.

4. If you have 3 loud kids who want to jump when the elevator arrives at each floor, wait until you can get on the elevator without others being in there with you.

5. If you are with others on the elevator, save your private conversation until you get off. It will only last 30 seconds and that way, no one has to know about how "he didn't call you last night."

6. Allow some PERSONAL SPACE between you and others on the elevator. If you squeeze on and we are touching, you should have waited until the next elevator. Also, if there is plenty of space on the elevator, MOVE OVER. You do not have to stand directly in front of someone else.

7. It is not necessary for you to fill the silence.

8. Do not ask strangers where they are coming from or where they are going.

9. If you smell bad, take the stairs.

10. Know where you are going so that you don't push the buttons for more than one floor.