t was a humid summer day in Boston. I and about a dozen other perky chaps were awaiting the arrival of a particularly lumbering elevator. When the lift finally came, I donned my gentlemany cape and held the door open for the others. After the last person entered, I crossed the threshold, pleased to see politeness hadn't cost me a spot.

I only got halfway in before the elevator doors slammed shut, however. Fellow passengers stared as I awkwardly fought the doors ajar, stumbled in and wiped a humiliated trickle of sweat off my forehead.

Silence. Then one woman leaned over to another, uttering the words I will always remember: "Serves him right for being a male chauvinist," she said. (First hand experience of a friend!!!)

It got me thinking how we totally disregard the proper manners, and our selfishness overwhelms us into being total brutes.


In a social situation, everyone knows the gentleman is supposed to hold the door for the lady. When it comes to elevators, however, people appear to be clueless on the proper protocols involved.

If everyone would follow these simple rules of etiquette, society would be better off.

First, please, please, pleeease, wait for those exiting the elevator to get off before forcing your way on.

Second, after entering the elevator please allow room for everyone else to get on without holding up the car. Also, give everyone as much space as possible.

Daniel Guzman, majoring in manufacturing engineering, said he is uncomfortable when people get too close to him in the elevator.

Third, the person by the button panel should push the buttons for everyone else in the car. Other riders should simply say, "Four please," to indicate they want to exit on the fourth floor. Never reach around, across, in front of or underneath someone to push your button. If there is no one in front of the panel, feel free to push your own button.

Fourth, the elevator is usually so slow - especially in the Wilkinson Student Center - that it would be much faster, not to mention more courteous, to take the stairs up or down one level than to ride the elevator. Exceptions, of course, include the disabled, parents with children (especially in strollers) and perhaps the FedEx guy loaded down with packages.

Sarah Jackson, a junior majoring in nursing, said she worries about bugging people when getting off on a floor that no one else is getting off on.

Cindy Grosso, the owner and founder of the Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette, said, "It is proper elevator etiquette that everyone get on and turn to face forward."

This is rule number Five. Do not stare at the other riders in the car. The person is already feeling that his/her personal space has been drastically invaded by your presence in the car. A courteous "hello" or "good morning" is always appropriate, but if they don't respond, don't push the issue.

Michelle Hales, a junior majoring in advertising and marketing, said "the awkwardness when no one speaks" is her elevator pet peeve.

Sixth, if you were previously engaged in a conversation with someone before entering the elevator, you are welcome to continue that conversation on the elevator. Just be aware that it is impossible for other riders to keep from overhearing. Never discuss controversial issues - like elevator etiquette - in front of other riders.

Seventh, if you push the elevator call button, don't give up and leave if it doesn't come right away. Stick it out. There are few things more irritating than getting in the elevator on the first floor, headed for the fifth floor, and getting stopped on a floor that does not have anyone waiting to get on. Parents: please don't allow your children to push both elevator call buttons, and also keep them from pushing the buttons for every floor once inside the car.

Eighth, please, please, please, cover your mouth if you have to sneeze or cough, and direct it away from other passengers. Wash your hands as soon as possible thereafter.

Ninth, never hold the door for a friend that will be here in "just a second." Another elevator car will be along in a minute. Don't hold up the elevator for those awaiting their swift ascension where they can hurriedly go on their way.

Tenth, if you see someone rushing across the quad yelling, "Hold the elevator," and you are in too big a hurry, or just don't want to put up with them, don't ignore them. Make it look like you're scrambling to find the "open door" button and cast a quick "I'm sorry, I couldn't find the button" look at them as the doors close. That way, he does not get his feelings hurt and you are on your way. You can even push the "close door" button instead and make it look like you were pushing the other one.

Eleventh, if you know you are going to the very top floor, please make your way to the back of the car. If this is not possible without pushing people out of your way, just get off at the other floors and allow others past you, then get back on.

Grosso said the only time there is door-holding etiquette for the elevator is when someone is hosting or guiding someone else. In all other situations, just wait for others to get off, get on, face the front, call out your floor number, be courteous and wait your turn.

 

The Recap (for further emphasis) is listed below:

• Use the elevator as an opportunity to make a favorable impression. Be friendly.

• Pause briefly before attempting to board an elevator so that you don't block the way for anyone wishing to exit.

• Once on an elevator, make room for others and hold the door or push "door open" button
  for them.

• Don't monopolize the space in the middle of an elevator so you can make a quick exit.

• This exhibits an inconsiderate "me first" mentality. Allow patients and people with disabilities to be near the elevator door.

• If you are escorting someone, hold the elevator door and allow that person to enter first.

• When leaving the elevator, exit and hold the door if possible.