Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: event tips

  • 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 Origin Story

    Let’s be honest, nobody likes waiting in lines. We tolerate them. We endure them. But secretly, we all wish we had a magical teleportation device to bypass these human traffic jams. Well, I recently had an experience that thrust me headfirst into the bizarre world of lines, transforming me from a casual queuer into, dare I say, a Line-Standing Connoisseur.

    It all started with my niece’s undying devotion to a certain boy band whose name I’m legally obligated not to mention (let’s just call them “The Heartthrobs”). When their concert tickets went on sale, my sister, bless her soul, volunteered me for the “honor” of securing those golden tickets. Little did I know, this wasn’t just standing in line—this was Line-Standing Bootcamp.

    Line-Standing Etiquette

    The first thing I learned is that a line is a temporary microcosm of society. You’ve got your chatty Cathy’s, your stoic silent types, your snack smugglers, and the ones who mysteriously disappear for 20 minutes only to return smelling suspiciously of hot dogs. The key is to find your people—those who respect the unspoken code:

    • Small Talk is Okay, Life Story Time is Not: A friendly “Crazy weather, huh?” is acceptable. Launching into your detailed genealogy is grounds for eye-rolls.
    • Personal Space is Sacred: Unless you’re sharing a life raft, maintain a respectable bubble. Nobody wants to be intimately acquainted with your backpack.
    • The Line-Cutter is the Enemy: This is a universal truth. We must band together to thwart those who dare to undermine the very fabric of our orderly queue.

    Rule #2: Gear Up for the Long Haul

    Remember those survival shows where people pack weeks’ worth of supplies into tiny backpacks? That’s the energy I’m talking about. Here’s a pro-tip from a seasoned veteran (me, obviously):

    1. The Essentials: Water bottle, snacks (trail mix is your friend), phone charger (portable battery pack = lifesaver).
    2. Comfort is King: Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. Consider a foldable chair if you’re feeling ambitious (pro-level move).
    3. Entertainment: Book, podcast, that Sudoku app you downloaded and swore you’d use—now’s the time, folks.

    Oh, and a word on bathroom breaks. Strategize these like a military operation. Coordinate with your line neighbors (remember Rule #1!), and for the love of all that is holy, don’t be that person who holds everyone up because they “didn’t think they had to go” five minutes ago.

  • The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I Excel at Them)

    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I Excel at Them)




    The Unspoken Rules of Being a Line-Stander (And Why I Excel at Them)


    My Line-Standing Epiphany

    It happened at a Comic-Con, years ago. I was young, naive, and desperate to get my hands on a limited-edition action figure. The line? Oh, the line was a mythical beast, snaking through the convention center and probably visible from space. It was then, amidst the throngs of equally-eager fans, that I had my line-standing epiphany. This wasn’t just standing; it was an art form, a silent ballet of patience, strategy, and bladder control.

    Rule #1: Thou Shalt Master the Art of the Placeholder

    Let’s be real, iron bladders are a myth. We all need bathroom breaks, coffee refills, and moments to stretch our poor, line-weary legs. This is where the art of the placeholder comes in. A well-placed backpack, a strategically abandoned sweater, or (if you’re feeling bold) a cardboard cutout of yourself can mark your territory while you answer the call of nature/caffeine.

    Pro-tip: Always inform your line neighbors of your temporary departure. It’s just good line etiquette, people!

    Rule #2: Know Thy Line Neighbors (But Respect the Bubble)

    Lines, like life, are all about balance. You want to be friendly (misery loves company, after all), but you also don’t want to be that person who won’t stop talking about their cat/Star Wars fan fiction/conspiracy theories.

    Here’s a handy guide to acceptable line conversation topics:

    • The weather (classic, always reliable)
    • Speculation about what’s at the end of the line (Is it a pot of gold? A unicorn? Another line?)
    • Brief, non-intrusive compliments (“I like your shoes!”)

    What you don’t want to do is invade personal space. Remember, everyone in line is operating under a shared agreement of non-aggression, held together by the fragile hope of whatever awaits us at the front. Respect the bubble.

    Rule #3: Patience, Young Padawan

    This is it, the golden rule of line-standing: Patience. You will be tempted. You will question your life choices. You will see people cutting the line, and a small, feral part of you will consider joining them on the dark side. Resist!

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

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



    From Regular Dude to Line-Standing Legend

    Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys standing in line. It’s the societal equivalent of being stuck in traffic: a necessary evil we all endure for the promise of something great at the end (a concert ticket, the latest iPhone, a cronut…). But my friends, I’m here to tell you, there’s an art to it. After years of experience, I’ve gone from Average Joe to Line-Standing Legend. I’ve seen it all, from the good (making friends with fellow line-standers) to the bad (epic meltdowns over bathroom breaks) and the downright ugly (rogue line-cutters, may they forever be haunted by the ghosts of lines past).

    So, without further ado, I present to you the unwritten, unspoken, yet universally understood rules of being a line-stander. Heed them well, my friends.

    Rule #1: The Invisible Force Field (And Why You Should Never Cross It)

    You know that invisible bubble surrounding each person in line? That’s their personal space, their sanctuary in the chaos. Maintain a respectful distance. This isn’t a mosh pit (unless, of course, it’s a line for a mosh pit, in which case, disregard). Now, this space fluctuates. A packed, bustling line? You might be elbow-to-elbow with your neighbor. A leisurely queue for a Sunday matinee? Give ’em breathing room. How much? Think “could I comfortably reach into their bag of chips?” If the answer is yes, you’re too close.