Comments on: Where to Stand

By: Genny

Genny — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:31:53 +0000

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.

By: Marshall Banana

Marshall Banana — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:49:18 +0000

Or maybe stand in the back, facing the corner and muttering yourself just to mess with everyone.

By: VaL

VaL — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:47:12 +0000

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!)

By: Hobbit

Hobbit — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:32:00 +0000

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.

By: KIm

KIm — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:35:48 +0000

If four co-workers enter an elevator, who should stand by the buttons (e.g., the most senior or the most junior person)?

By: David

David — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:43:28 +0000

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.

By: Playground Girl

Playground Girl — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:07:52 +0000

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.

By: EMTDawg

EMTDawg — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:37:57 +0000

What about hospitals with door on both sides usually

By: Anya

Anya — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:50:08 +0000

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.

By: Mugger

Mugger — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:24:15 +0000

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.