The Case of the Misplaced Coffee Order
We’ve all been there. Standing in line, patiently (or not so patiently) waiting our turn. But have you ever noticed that there seems to be an unspoken code of conduct, a secret society of line-standers that you never received the memo for? Yeah, me too. And apparently, I missed the meeting where they handed out the rule book.
Take last Tuesday, for example. I was at my usual coffee shop, buzzing with pre-caffeine withdrawal, when I committed a cardinal sin. I’d reached the counter, heart pounding with anticipation of that first glorious sip of coffee, only to realize—I had absolutely no idea what my friend wanted.
The collective sigh from everyone within a five-foot radius was almost audible. I had broken the unspoken rule: Thou shalt not approach the counter unprepared.
The Awkward Etiquette of Personal Space in Line
Then there’s the delicate matter of personal space. We all crave it, especially when confined within the often-too-close-for-comfort boundaries of a line. But what constitutes “too close”?
Again, I’m guilty as charged. I have this terrible habit of unconsciously inching forward, like a moth drawn to a flickering light, except in this case, the light is the person in front of me. I don’t mean to be invasive; it just kind of happens. But I’m sure it doesn’t make for the most comfortable experience for the unwitting recipients of my creeping.