Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: etiquette tips

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Pro)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now a Pro)




    My Line-Standing Baptism by Fire

    Let’s be honest, nobody likes waiting in line. But some things – concert tickets, limited-edition sneakers, the cronut craze of 2013 – are worth it. And that’s where the fine art of line-standing comes in. My initiation? Oh, it was a doozy. Picture this: a torrential downpour, 2 AM, and me, shivering in a soggy unicorn onesie outside a toy store for the hottest new gaming console. I was woefully unprepared. No chair, no snacks, no clue. Let’s just say I learned the hard way.

    But like a phoenix rising from the ashes of my damp, sugary shame (don’t ask about the spilled juice box), I emerged a line-standing warrior. So, my fellow queue comrades, I impart my hard-won wisdom. Heed these unspoken rules, and you too can conquer any line:

    Rule #1: Respect the Invisible Boundary Line

    You know that invisible force field that surrounds each person in line? That’s sacred ground, people. Respect the bubble. Don’t be that person who breathes down necks, starts up unsolicited conversations, or (god forbid) tries to cut the line. We’re all in this purgatory together, let’s maintain a civilized distance.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now an Expert)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I’m Now an Expert)

     

    My Line-Standing Baptism by Fire

    Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys waiting in line. But then there are those moments, those glorious, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that require… well, standing in line. Like that time I waited 12 hours for the Star Wars premiere. Yes, 12 hours. It’s a period of my life I refer to as my “line-standing baptism by fire.”

    I went in a naive rookie; I emerged a seasoned veteran of the queue. I had seen it all: line-cutters, bathroom break negotiations, the camaraderie of shared misery (and snacks). I learned the hard way that there’s an unspoken code of conduct in the world of line-standing. So, my friends, allow me to impart my hard-earned wisdom.

    Rule #1: Thou Shalt Not Cutteth the Line

    This should go without saying, but apparently, it doesn’t. Cutting in line is a cardinal sin, punishable by a thousand death glares (and possibly a stern talking-to). We’ve all been there, patiently inching forward, only to have someone waltz in with an air of entitlement and try to squeeze in front of us. Don’t be that person.

    Pro-tip: If someone tries to pull this stunt on you, a simple “Excuse me, the back of the line is that way” delivered with a friendly smile (and a pointed finger) usually does the trick.

    Rule #2: The Art of the Bathroom Break

    Nature, as they say, waits for no man (or woman). And when you’ve been holding your bladder for an hour, desperately hoping you don’t miss your spot in line, things can get dicey. Here’s the protocol:

    • The Buddy System is Key: Always, and I repeat always, have someone hold your place. This isn’t the time to make new friends – enlist a trusted companion in your line-standing adventure.
    • Keep It Brief: This isn’t your time to scroll through social media or catch up on emails. Get in, do your business, get out.
    • Express Gratitude: A sincere “thank you for holding my spot” upon your return is not only polite but also helps avoid any awkwardness.

    Rule #3: Embrace the Shared Experience (and Snacks!)

    Look, I get it. Standing in line can be tedious. But it can also be an opportunity to connect with your fellow humans (and maybe even make a friend or two). Strike up a conversation. Share a laugh (or a groan) about the wait time.

    And for the love of all that is holy, bring snacks. Sharing is caring, people. I once made a lifelong friend over a bag of gummy bears while waiting for a roller coaster. (Okay, maybe not lifelong, but we did exchange numbers. And isn’t that what really matters?)

    So, Are You Ready to Stand in Line Like a Pro?

    There you have it. My crash course in the unspoken rules of line-standing. Now go forth and conquer those queues, my friend! What are your most memorable (or disastrous) line-standing experiences? Share your stories in the comments below!

  • The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (and the People Who Break Them)

    The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (and the People Who Break Them)




    The Unspoken Rules of Elevator Etiquette (And How to Avoid Breaking Them)


    My Personal Elevator From Hell

    We’ve all been there. Packed into a metal box hurtling through the floors of an office building, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with strangers. Yes, I’m talking about the dreaded elevator ride.

    Just the other day, I found myself in an elevator situation so awkward, it could only be described as a scene straight out of “The Twilight Zone.” Picture this: I’m squished between a guy loudly discussing his fantasy football league on speakerphone and a woman who seems to think her perfume is a superpower.

    elevator ground to a halt between floors. The speakerphone dude’s triumphant roar (“Yes! Touchdown, baby!”) was cut short, and even the perfume lady seemed fazed. We were trapped.

    This experience got me thinking about the unspoken rules of elevator etiquette, those subtle social contracts we make to survive these short, strange journeys together. So, for the sake of humanity, let’s break them down, shall we?

    Rule #1: Respect the Elevator Bubble

    Personal space. We all crave it, especially in the confines of an elevator. Yet, some people seem to forget the concept of a personal bubble the second those elevator doors slide shut. They stand too close, their backpack smacks you in the face, their loud conversation invades your thoughts.

    Remember folks, an elevator is not your personal phone booth or karaoke stage. It’s a shared space, so let’s try to maintain a respectful distance and keep the volume down.

    Rule #2: The Elevator Button: A Sacred Duty

    Ah, the button pusher. The designated hero of the elevator ride, responsible for ensuring everyone reaches their desired floor. This is a position of power, not to be taken lightly.

    Don’t be the person who frantically presses the already-lit button for their floor. Don’t be the person who tries to squeeze past everyone else to reach a button when someone closer could easily do it. And for the love of all that is holy, do not, I repeat, DO NOT hold the elevator door for your buddy who’s running late while everyone else watches in silent agony.