Elevator Elevation

I know we all have had to use an elevator on occasion and had to share the space with other passengers.  Do you look at the other people?  Do you smile?  Do they smile back?

Do they look up?  Or at the floor? Or at the floor number display?  Anywhere but at the faces of their fellow passengers, preferring to stare at the backs of their heads.  Strangers gathered together in a relatively tiny space for a mutual purpose.

There is no common reason for people unknown to each other to stand so close; bodies touching in a crowded small room, other than waiting to be taken to their floor destinations.  Invading the others’ space.  Body odors; perfume fragrances fighting for dominance.  Making room for “just one more.”  Standing back for the person using a walker or a mother carrying her baby.

A little over a week ago, I had to take an elevator to see my doctor.  There were three other persons who crowded into the tiny elevator with me.  A friendly-looking elderly woman with her walker and her companion, and a gentleman who had a scowl on his face.

When the elevator got to the second floor, I started to walk out.  On a whim, I turned and said, “Have a nice day.”

The three passengers were startled.  But, they all smiled and wished me the same – even the scowling man.

I’m assuming I put a little sunshine into the rest of their elevator ride, but the “feel good” bonus was mine for the rest of my day.

Never miss an opportunity to make others happy and enjoy the personal “elevating” rewards.

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[Elevator photo from bingdotcom]