Elevator Manners!!

November 10, 9:54 PMDC Family ExaminerRisa Sanders

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I realize this title makes me sound like an old fuddy duddy.

Even that phrase is archaic. But, living in the metro area, along with the excitement of political theater, the arts and a wealth of institutes of higher learning, comes a misplaced sense of urgency and entitlement  that 's  passed along to our kids. In my house, we're having an ongoing dialogue about civility. I realize this conjures images of tea and dainty white gloves. That's not what I mean. I'm talking about simple, decent, courtesy. The little things that make life a drop more pleasant. Here's my most recent pet peeve.

Elevator behavior!! We live in Fairfax County and frequent Tyson's Mall quite often. The mall is long and the floor is hard, so I'll admit that I like to use the elevator as I'm lugging packages around (usually returns that my son won't wear). I'm frankly appalled at what appears to be an absolute lack of understanding of simple elevator etiquette, particularly among kids, (but to be honest, adults too), and my son and I have had several recent conversations about  this.                   .                                         

1. Don’t people realize that parents with strollers, and  the                                                                                                                 handicapped, have first dibs on the elevators at the mall? Sure, I often line up to take a ride, but I step aside if there are a convoy of strollers queuing up.
2. Has anyone else noticed how people aggressively step forward into the elevator without letting passengers get out first? Let the people out, folks!! News flash.....It'll actually make it easier for you to get in.
3.  What’s with the rushing out without letting older riders exit first? Is Nordstrom  giving away free Jimmy Choo's, and I missed the mailing?
4. And please, will you kindly step back to allow more people in? It's as though everyone suddenly has developed claustrophobia. Ever notice how people pretend they don't acknowledge newcomers trying to slide this way and that to find a spot? Do you really think your trip will be any shorter if you refuse to let an extra person or two onboard? Maybe you shouldn't be on the elevator anyway. A good walk up and down those stairs would be good for all of us. I'm happy to hitch a ride and feel I shouldn't complain about a little crowding.