Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Humans Suffering from Elevator Syndrome

I've noticed an interesting human phenomenon during these past few weeks while taking my eldest to that program.

I've mentioned before that the program is in a locked down facility, right?. You need a code to get in AND out.

Us parents/guardians have to enter a waiting room which is actually a part of the hallway - the separation is made by huge metal doors. The hallway becomes a room slightly bigger than an elevator and is partially soundproofed.

My observations are driving me barmy. Why? Because I want to TALK. I want to say something. But I believe even a simple "Hi" and eye contact would result in dragging these people kicking and screaming out of their comfort zone.

Seriously.

No one makes eye contact.
They ALL stare at the floor - men and women alike.
It is so silent, you can hear the whisper of fabric while the people fidget and shuffle their feet on the berber carpet.
It's very eerie.

The ceiling must be enthralling - everyone stares at that too.

I lean against the wall and make it a point to look at every one there. No one makes eye contact. No one smiles. Heck, they hardly even move!

If, say, someone leans against the emergency exit (no alarm sounds) and accidently opens the door with their back, they will quietly chuckle, briefly make bashful eye contact, hurriedly shift to a safe spot and hunch into themselves and/or angle themselves away from the person who've they made eye contact with.

I've been the one they avoid because I'm the one watching, daring to breach their visual personal space. I can't help it. The Elevator Syndrome fascinates me.

When their child is brought through the program doors, they can't herd themselves back into the hallway fast enough.

I don't get it.

In essence, we all are there for the same reason.

It's a curiosity as to why they exibit as being uncomfortable and awkward.
There is no reason to deny the situation, their reality.
Hey, it's my reality too.
Nothing to be embarassed about.

Have any of you experienced the Elevator Syndrome OUTSIDE of being in an elevator?

Where and what, if anything, did you find amusing?

Or is it that I have a perverse sense of humor?

4 comments:

Brandy said...

Sounds like they have yet to come to terms with the childs problems, in your description of them, they seem embarassed. With no reason to feel so. You are a strong brave woman who has accepted your childs new reality and embraced it. No wonder you don't mind making eye contact. *g* And yes, I've seen this before. Ever sit down in the cafe at a bookstore? Same thing. Not everyone there is on a computer and reading! BUT, if you make eye contact and give a small smile, they return it and then quickly look away, never to look your way again. Most Dr.'s offices seem to be that way, too.

Have a good evening!

Shesawriter said...

I'll be honest. I don't like being around a bunch of strangers in a closed setting. Or even in an open one. I don't look at anyone. LOL!

Anonymous said...

All I have to say is that when it comes to close spaces people are very territorial. Yes I have been in these types of situations. Who hasn't? But again it's like they are waiting for some form of bad news or some kind of tention that fills in gaps of that room that no one will initiate a conversation for fear of breaking the silence-elevator phase rule. Hummm.. this gives me some many things to think about.

Have a great day.

Unknown said...

I suffered from this ay 5yrs old to 6. I would jump out of bed and run to my mama yelling made it slow down !! Everything sermef fast and i was slow. Not insink.. at 25 yrs old i bought it up talking on phone.. it almost started again. Not till my 30's did i find out the hell i went threw

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