Greetings and Farewells in the Elevator

[Stencil]

Something I've noticed throughout my life is that people on elevators either greet as they enter, or bid farewell as they exit.
Could be something as subtle as a tip of their hat/nod as they enter, or more commonly saying "have a good day" when they're getting off. Is that just a vestige of the olden days when people wore suits and shit?

What's up with that? Is it just because it's like "Hey, I acknowledge I'm stepping into this moving closet with you" or "thanks, I know that was awkward"?

It just seems so quaint in todays society. I should mention I'm in the US. Maybe it's more/less common in other countries.

 

[neoak]

It's a courtesy, but not everyone does it

 

[PlanetSmasher]

I do the little nod but I don't usually talk to people in the elevator the majority of the time unless I know them or they did me a favor by holding the door for me.

I just feel like it's a way of acknowledging the inherent awkwardness of being stuck in a tiny box for a short time with a total stranger. Like "yeah, I know that was weird, but we did it".

 

[Slayven]

Fart on the ride, so that they run out when the doors open. Problem solved

 

[pioneer]

I basically never initiate interactions with strangers like this, but I'll reciprocate if they do

 

[Neece]

If you're in the elevator with multiple people, no need to greet. If you're in there with just one other person, you greet and bid farewell. Those are the unwritten rules.

 

[RBH]

I do it when I'm rounding in the hospital

Days can be rough for both family members and staff members alike, and sometimes even a small greeting or well wishes can make someone feel slightly better in the moment at least

 

[Stencil]

Those are the unwritten rules.

Click to shrink...

Ah got it, like clapping after a good meal

 

[Surakian]

It's just being polite. I almost always say hello/goodbye and whatever variation therein.

Also the elevators at my job are frightening in how they wiggle and in how often they break down so I would rather be kind to the people who I might get stuck with.

 

[Elf Needs Food Bad]

There is no set rule, it is just a matter of going with the vibe. Small smile and nod, just a nod, "evening" ...it just depends on the vibe

 

[Dice]

Sometimes it politeness.
Sometimes it's how to flirt in 15 seconds.

 

[sfedai0]

Im almost always looking at my phone or just a nod. I will only say something if they greet first. If another person joins, thats automatically means I dont have to say or do anything,

 

[CardsFall]

I find this largely revolves around whether somebody does the "what floor do you need" thing. I try to be friendly more often than not.