We've been on the top floor [1] of our complex in Toronto the last few months so I've had ample time to evaluate elevators.

First of all, people LOVE to look at their phone on elevators. I never know what they're doing on their phones. I'm pretty sure it's usually just refreshing twitter or facebook even when there are no new tweets or updates. I know no one is doing anything because they aren't on their phone when they get in the elevator, and frequently as soon as the elevator doors open they are off their phone. There is something comforting about looking at a phone I guess, though I'm not sure what it is. Personally, I refuse to look at my phone while I'm in an elevator. I prefer to look up and try to make eye contact [2] with the other people on the elevator.

Sometimes if I'm in the elevator with someone else I know, we'll go out of our way to seem like we're in the middle of an awkward conversation. "...but at least I think the assault charges are gonna get dropped to a misdemeanor, so that's nice." "...the doctor said it'll clear up in a few weeks if I keep putting this ointment on it." Occasionally people don't even react, occasionally people know what we're doing. I enjoy this kind of humor, and it reminds me of a cool TED talk I watched once (or twice) [3]. I've never actually done any improv, but I think I should. I tried twice (and Dan tried three times) [4].

In elevators you spend time in an enclosed space with people you wouldn't otherwise spend time with. Frequently nothing really happens, but sometimes a conversation starts about nothing in particular. Often you'll never see that person again. I think things like this in life are particularly cool. When I'm with an odd group, I always wonder what would happen if we got stranded in the elevator for 45 minutes or so [5]. Who would talk to who? Would I meet someone awesome? I doubt it'd be as cool as being stuck in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre [6].

It's the little things.

[1] It's the penthouse, I just didn't want to sound like a douche.

[2] I don't stare, how creepy do you think I am?

[3] Charlie Todd: The Shared Experience of Absurdity

[4] We were late by a lotta minutes, late by a few minutes, and it was closed because of a Canadian (not a real) holiday.

[5] And, of course, all cell phone service went out.

[6] A Friends reference, for you diehards.