Standing in a line isn't big a problem for me. Even long lines don't bother me much if there is something of value at the end of the wait. Good things come to those that wait, and the virtues of being patient are mostly true. Sometimes not, but for the most part, they are.
Some people don't like lines.
My wife hates them. And frankly, I don't mind these folks either, because they make it clear they don't like waiting, and often choose not too. I personally hate waiting in some places. Hungry in a crowded restaurant lobby for example, or at the dentist's office thumbing through 2 yr old Newsweek editions.
No, what gets me are folks that can't decide if they want to wait, or to be an accepted member of a line. These are the folks that leave a 10 or 12 foot (4+ person) gap between themselves and the next person in front of them. They dodge in and out, thinking everyone should respect them enough to 'hold the space'. They constantly break the harmony and the very purpose of a well formed cue. Movies, amusement parks, coffee houses, and ATM's seem to draw in the worst 'line people' imaginable. Can you tell it's a pet peeve of mine?
I think you know the type, and I hope you aren't one of "them".
If you are, perhaps nobody explained the rules. Allow me to extend my understanding of common courtesy and line etiquette.
1. PLEASE- Being in a line means - IN A LINE. This means you allow no more then a one, (max three) average sized person space between you and the next person in line. Having a little space is OK, just don't make it excessive. No more then a 3 person cushion. Do not stand off to the side, and no running in and out of position. This is clear line violation. It's tolerated by some, but definitely annoying and rude.
2. PLEASE - If you choose to join in the line, understand that we are a socially reserved group. Please be patient and cordial. Limit your complaints about the line itself. Nothing makes waiting longer then listening to someone who constantly complains about the long wait. We don't need your reminders. Conversation, while allowed, are tricky because it's hard to know if the person you’re speaking too wants to be part of a friendly chit-chat. People are generally polite, but watch the body language. Give people an "out", and they will think highly of you. If you ramble on and on without pause, then you become one of "THEM."
3. PLEASE - Respect the line's shape and form. It's often singular with few turns. If it does turn, turn with it maintaining a snake-like form.
4. PLEASE observe the moving speed of the line. Ignoring line movement beyond a few seconds is extremely rude, and disrespectful to those behind you. Don't stand there motionless when you see the line has moved. Also, if chatting with friends while in a line - pay attention to movement. If you see a 20-person gap between you and the line, rest assured you have upset the people behind you, because of you. Run to catch the line, and stay with it from now on.
5. Lines generally mean you have people in front of you - and behind you. You must be mindful to BOTH sides.
6. If you have young children with you, use this time to teach and reinforce the above 5 lessons.
You're fellow line members will usually allow you a one-time reprieve from breaking any of the above rules without casting any dire curses upon you and your family.
But don't push you're luck.
Some people don't like lines.
My wife hates them. And frankly, I don't mind these folks either, because they make it clear they don't like waiting, and often choose not too. I personally hate waiting in some places. Hungry in a crowded restaurant lobby for example, or at the dentist's office thumbing through 2 yr old Newsweek editions.
No, what gets me are folks that can't decide if they want to wait, or to be an accepted member of a line. These are the folks that leave a 10 or 12 foot (4+ person) gap between themselves and the next person in front of them. They dodge in and out, thinking everyone should respect them enough to 'hold the space'. They constantly break the harmony and the very purpose of a well formed cue. Movies, amusement parks, coffee houses, and ATM's seem to draw in the worst 'line people' imaginable. Can you tell it's a pet peeve of mine?
I think you know the type, and I hope you aren't one of "them".
If you are, perhaps nobody explained the rules. Allow me to extend my understanding of common courtesy and line etiquette.
1. PLEASE- Being in a line means - IN A LINE. This means you allow no more then a one, (max three) average sized person space between you and the next person in line. Having a little space is OK, just don't make it excessive. No more then a 3 person cushion. Do not stand off to the side, and no running in and out of position. This is clear line violation. It's tolerated by some, but definitely annoying and rude.
2. PLEASE - If you choose to join in the line, understand that we are a socially reserved group. Please be patient and cordial. Limit your complaints about the line itself. Nothing makes waiting longer then listening to someone who constantly complains about the long wait. We don't need your reminders. Conversation, while allowed, are tricky because it's hard to know if the person you’re speaking too wants to be part of a friendly chit-chat. People are generally polite, but watch the body language. Give people an "out", and they will think highly of you. If you ramble on and on without pause, then you become one of "THEM."
3. PLEASE - Respect the line's shape and form. It's often singular with few turns. If it does turn, turn with it maintaining a snake-like form.
4. PLEASE observe the moving speed of the line. Ignoring line movement beyond a few seconds is extremely rude, and disrespectful to those behind you. Don't stand there motionless when you see the line has moved. Also, if chatting with friends while in a line - pay attention to movement. If you see a 20-person gap between you and the line, rest assured you have upset the people behind you, because of you. Run to catch the line, and stay with it from now on.
5. Lines generally mean you have people in front of you - and behind you. You must be mindful to BOTH sides.
6. If you have young children with you, use this time to teach and reinforce the above 5 lessons.
You're fellow line members will usually allow you a one-time reprieve from breaking any of the above rules without casting any dire curses upon you and your family.
But don't push you're luck.
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