There are few places in modern life where we’re forced into such close quarters with strangers as the humble elevator. For a brief moment, people of all stripes — coworkers, neighbors, delivery drivers, and the guy who just reheated fish in the break room — are pressed together in a small, moving box. It’s a setting ripe for potential awkwardness and irritation.
That liminal space in an elevator also offers a small but meaningful opportunity to practice everyday courtesy. Like all etiquette, it isn’t about stiff formality, but rather a sense of awareness, restraint, and consideration for others. A few simple habits, as outlined in the guide above, can turn a potentially uncomfortable ride into a smooth, frictionless interaction. This is a situation that you actually don’t want to be memorable; if you make it into someone’s stories of an elevator ride, it’s likely that things have gone awry.
Master these basics to become an elevator passenger with an air of gentlemanly grace.
