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Dear Thelma: My company recently consolidated its two large local offices into one huge, new building. Some people seem to be having trouble with elevator etiquette. It's difficult to get on and off when you need to, and cell-phone use seems acceptable to some and annoying to others. Can you tell us what we need to know?

Answer: Elevators make many of us uncomfortable. Riding with people who don't care to use the ride as a time to show consideration for others can make it even more difficult. However, if each of us makes the effort to be courteous, the trip between floors becomes more comfortable for everyone.

The amount of personal space most people require is equal to about the size of an elevator. In these close quarters, it's important to keep additional ventures into the personal space of others at a minimum.

When the elevator arrives, stand back and allow the riders to exit before charging in to claim your space. If you have entered the elevator and see someone rushing to catch it, hold the open-door button for him and make room.

Finish your cell-phone conversation before you enter the elevator. Once on, if you decide to talk with other riders, stick to a generic topic, like the weather. Speak quietly and avoid subjects that are personal or confidential.

Face the elevator doors as you ride. Doing the opposite may be entertaining for you as you watch people's reaction, but it really does make everyone uncomfortable as you invade their personal space further by forcing them to look you in the eye.

In a crowded elevator everyone at the front should get off when the doors open - even if they are not at their floor - to allow those behind them to emerge. After the car has emptied, get back on and proceed to your floor. If you are going to the top floors of a building, make an effort to find a space in the back to stand.

Exit the elevator quickly and to the side to make it easier for those behind you to get off. Whoever is at the front of the elevator should get off first, regardless of gender. If the elevator is not crowded, it's a fine gesture to allow ladies or those who out-rank you to exit first.

It is fine to smile at people as they enter and give them a nod goodbye when they leave. If you accidentally push against someone in the elevator, give a quick and sincere "I'm sorry" or "please excuse me."

Especially in small spaces, good manners never go out of style.