The only time it’s not weird when using the lift is when I’m on my own. If I’ve got to the button and no one else is around, it’s then a race against time for the lift to arrive and for no one to turn up and join me.
I was waiting on the ground floor for a lift to arrive maybe four weeks ago. Obviously I’ve pushed the button, because that’s what you have to do for the lift to arrive. The button lights up once you’ve pushed it, and stays lit until the lift arrives. I’ve been there maybe 20 seconds. I’m cool, just waiting; I’ve been expected to wait a lot longer than 20 seconds before. Some guy turns up, also wanting the lift. He pushes the button. The button’s already been pushed – it’s already lit. I’ve already pushed the button. When it’s lit, it means it’s been called already. The lift is coming – the button’s already been pushed.
Two weeks ago I was waiting on the fifth floor for a lift to take me down to the ground. I’m in as much of a rush as one can be when the schedule is being dictated by a lift, so it’s not like I’m not going to push the button or take my time with it or whatever. It’s probably been around a 20-second wait again and a guy appears wanting to get the lift, too. I had pushed the button when I first got to the lift waiting area, so it’s lit. It’s signalling that the lift has been called. The lift is on its way. This guy heads straight for the button and pushes it.
This other time I’m walking into the lift, someone follows me in. Now there’s two choices: either hit the floor I want and head for the back wall of the lift, or play the Which floor would you like? game. I went latter and the reply was, “Ground, please”. I also want the ground floor, so all I need to do is push G. But I push G and then 2. The person looks at me like, ‘what are you dense or something?’ I said: “I’m so sorry. I don’t what I’ve done here.” The wait on the second floor while the lift rolls out the opening doors, waiting a bit, closing again and heading off routine was agonising. And I’m to blame.
same applies to crossing the road. one addition here though – once pressed do not dare to cross the obviously clear road to leave the car that hasn’t arrived yet to sit and wait for a red at an empty crossing
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