"GENTLE READER: You do not firstly, because you are going to elbow some unsuspecting person in the face, and secondly, because it is rude to correct another's manners. Both problems can be avoided if you instead say, Excuse us, people coming out, please. If the announcement is made in a booming voice, it will be surprising enough to render the physical barrier of sticking out your arms unnecessary."
"It is true that we no longer dance around in the elevator so as to allow all the women to get out before the men. There is, however, pandemonium on first floors, when people wishing to board will not wait for occupants to get off. The expressions on their faces indicate they are astonished to find that the machine contains passengers!"
Elevator crowding often occurs when people waiting to board fail to let passengers exit first, creating chaos at the doors. Physically blocking the doorway with outstretched arms risks elbowing someone and is an impolite way to correct behavior. A loud, polite announcement such as "Excuse us, people coming out, please" removes the need for a physical barrier and can startle would-be boarders into yielding. A separate social situation involves a grandmother who hosts monthly teas while a snippety guest demeans others, causing attendance to decline and raising questions about when to intervene.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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