Just Relaxed Blog

Tag: personal space

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.

March 11, 2025
The Unspoken Rules of Standing in Line (And Why I Break Them All)

Okay, okay, I’ll admit, sometimes it backfires. Like the time I got stuck behind someone with “10 items” that turned out to be 10 different varieties of organic, locally sourced apples that each needed to be weighed individually. But hey, you win some, you lose some, right?

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

Me? I’m a force field fluctuator. I misjudge, I overstep, I practically trip over imaginary boundaries. It’s a gift, really.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The woman behind me shifted uncomfortably. The man in front of me kept glancing back, his eyebrows doing a synchronized dance of concern. It was then I realized: I am a monster. A line-standing monster who doesn’t know the sacred rules.

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

It wasn’t that I cut in line (this time). It wasn’t that I was loudly narrating the latest episode of my favorite true-crime podcast (okay, maybe it was a little bit of that). It was the way I was standing. Apparently, my casual lean, the one where I momentarily rest my weight on one leg, sending the other on a mini-vacation, was causing a ripple effect of unspoken line-standing disapproval.

The woman behind me shifted uncomfortably. The man in front of me kept glancing back, his eyebrows doing a synchronized dance of concern. It was then I realized: I am a monster. A line-standing monster who doesn’t know the sacred rules.

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

Let me paint you a picture: a crowded coffee shop, the smell of freshly roasted beans heavy in the air, and me, a woman on a mission for caffeine, utterly failing at the seemingly simple task of standing in line.

It wasn’t that I cut in line (this time). It wasn’t that I was loudly narrating the latest episode of my favorite true-crime podcast (okay, maybe it was a little bit of that). It was the way I was standing. Apparently, my casual lean, the one where I momentarily rest my weight on one leg, sending the other on a mini-vacation, was causing a ripple effect of unspoken line-standing disapproval.

The woman behind me shifted uncomfortably. The man in front of me kept glancing back, his eyebrows doing a synchronized dance of concern. It was then I realized: I am a monster. A line-standing monster who doesn’t know the sacred rules.

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Unspoken Rules of Standing in Line (And Why I Break Them All)

Let me paint you a picture: a crowded coffee shop, the smell of freshly roasted beans heavy in the air, and me, a woman on a mission for caffeine, utterly failing at the seemingly simple task of standing in line.

It wasn’t that I cut in line (this time). It wasn’t that I was loudly narrating the latest episode of my favorite true-crime podcast (okay, maybe it was a little bit of that). It was the way I was standing. Apparently, my casual lean, the one where I momentarily rest my weight on one leg, sending the other on a mini-vacation, was causing a ripple effect of unspoken line-standing disapproval.

The woman behind me shifted uncomfortably. The man in front of me kept glancing back, his eyebrows doing a synchronized dance of concern. It was then I realized: I am a monster. A line-standing monster who doesn’t know the sacred rules.

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

The Unspoken Rules of Standing in Line (And Why I Break Them All)

Let me paint you a picture: a crowded coffee shop, the smell of freshly roasted beans heavy in the air, and me, a woman on a mission for caffeine, utterly failing at the seemingly simple task of standing in line.

It wasn’t that I cut in line (this time). It wasn’t that I was loudly narrating the latest episode of my favorite true-crime podcast (okay, maybe it was a little bit of that). It was the way I was standing. Apparently, my casual lean, the one where I momentarily rest my weight on one leg, sending the other on a mini-vacation, was causing a ripple effect of unspoken line-standing disapproval.

The woman behind me shifted uncomfortably. The man in front of me kept glancing back, his eyebrows doing a synchronized dance of concern. It was then I realized: I am a monster. A line-standing monster who doesn’t know the sacred rules.

The Invisible Force Field (aka Personal Space)

We all know the first rule of Fight Club is you don’t talk about Fight Club. Well, the first rule of standing in line is you maintain the invisible force field, also known as personal space. This force field, however, seems to have a variable setting.

Are you in a bustling airport security line? Prepare to practically spoon the stranger in front of you. Are you at the post office, where the average wait time could rival the lifespan of a small rodent? The invisible force field expands to encompass practically the entire building.

The Art of the Line Cut: Stealth vs. Bull in a China Shop

Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen it happen. The stealthy line-cutter, seamlessly weaving themselves into the queue like they’ve always belonged. Then there’s the bull in a china shop approach, where someone just barrels their way in, oblivious (or perhaps, terrifyingly, not) to the death stares they’re receiving.

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a rebellious streak when it comes to lines. If I see someone who’s clearly next but looks like they’re about to melt into the floor from social anxiety, I might just “accidentally” nudge them forward, muttering something about how I think it’s their turn. Is it right? Probably not. Is it satisfying to watch someone conquer their fear of asking “Excuse me, I think I’m next”? Absolutely.

The Great Checkout Line Debate: One Item or Bust?

Ah, the express lane. The land of “10 items or less,” where “less” is a fluid concept open to interpretation (and wishful thinking). I’m that person who will shamelessly rock up to the express lane with twelve items. Why? Because sometimes, a girl’s gotta live a little.

So, Tell Me, Are You a Line-Saint or a Line-Sinner?

Let’s face it, standing in line is a universal experience. It’s a microcosm of society, a test of patience, and sometimes, a comedy of errors. So tell me, dear reader, what kind of line-stander are you? Are you a stickler for the rules, or do you, like me, embrace the chaos? Share your most hilarious line-standing stories in the comments below!

March 10, 2025
The Unspoken Rules of Waiting in Line (And Why I Always Seem to Break Them)

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.

line behind me grew longer (and presumably, more irritated), and all I could manage was a weak, “Uh… let me just check with my friend real quick?”

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.

March 10, 2025
The Unwritten Rules of Being a Line at the Grocery Store

Confessions of a Grocery Line Observer

The other day, I found myself doing that awkward shuffle-step-sigh routine we all do in grocery store lines. You know the one—where you’re stuck behind the person who seems to have brought their entire life’s savings in pennies, and the cashier is moving at the speed of a sedated sloth? Yeah, that one.

As I stood there, desperately willing my items to magically scan themselves, I realized something profound (or as profound as one can get while contemplating the structural integrity of a pudding cup): there’s an unspoken code of conduct for being in line at the grocery store. A set of unwritten rules we all instinctively follow (or at least, should follow).

Rule #1: Mastering the Grocery Store Buffer Zone

Personal space. It’s a thing, even in the land of overflowing carts and discounted produce. We all crave that invisible force field around us, especially when sandwiched between a mountain of groceries and a stranger’s backpack.

Pro-tip: Imagine a cashier-facing force field emanating from the person ahead of you. Aim for a buffer zone that allows comfortable breathing room without triggering the “Are you in line?” glare from the person behind you.

March 10, 2025