You should stand as close to a wall as possible. Consider your destination floor and stand near the back if you are going to a high floor. If you know you are getting off shortly, stand toward the front. If you choose to stand near the buttons, understand that you may have increased responsibility.
Always allow as much space as possible between you and the passengers. Always stand facing the door.
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Can I stand on my head?
When there are a lot of passengers, I like to face into the crowd and not toward the doors. I find that this makes most people really uncomfortable.
why do you need to make people uncomfortable?
I’m guessing it’s low self esteem. He wasn’t hugged enough as a child.
If you’re alone and the elevator/lift is empty, stand in the centre. That way if the next person to get in is a mugger, you won’t be trapped against the walls. It might seem rude to expect the other person to pass around you, but you will be safer – you can always move to one side as the elevator fills up.
However, if you are a mugger yourself, it is best to stand with your back leaning against the far wall, looking upwards and pretending to be bored.
For the best results, try wearing small round glasses.
You will never be suspected.
I think the things that make people feel uncomfortable are quite interesting to look into, from a psychological point of view… also it is funny. Joaquin’s comment reminds me of a study into conformity where a single person waiting for a lift was faced with 3 people wth their backs to him. Nearly every time they faced the same way as the other people. This study made me giggle, mainly at the thought of waiting for the elevator being confronted with the surreal and vaguely sinister sight of three turned backs.
What about hospitals with door on both sides usually
Facing the door may work on the East Coast but the West Coast practice, especially the more crowded the elevator, is to stand with your back toward the nearest fixed wall (not the door) and face the center. It’s also permissible to speak to the other riders. If you must face the door, be sure you’ve left enough room between you and the person behind you that their space isn’t compromised.
I move to the back so I can look at women’s butts in front of me. I also enjoy excessive scratching when I exit while mumbling under my breathe.
If four co-workers enter an elevator, who should stand by the buttons (e.g., the most senior or the most junior person)?
Around here, at least in the smaller towns, everyone stands with their backs against the walls, and then it sort of fills in from there if it’s full. I myself like standing against the wall thats beside the buttons. I’m also very short, and this usually prevents me from being elbowed or smooshed against a wall because someone didn’t see me.
I agree, that West Coast seems to be against the wall, and whenever I’m on the East Coast in a fairly empty elevator I get funny looks for leaning against the wall. It’s kinda funny! Also, what about glass elevators, like in the Eiffel Tower? Can I look out thte back there?
(guess what? I’ll do it anyway!)
Or maybe stand in the back, facing the corner and muttering yourself just to mess with everyone.
I personally cannot stand being alone in the elevator with 1 other person, when that person decides to stand sideways. I face the door, no matter where I am in the elevator and this other person makes me feel uncomfortable, feeling like they’re staring at me.