The Power of Nonverbal Communication After New York dug out of the debris, most of the population returned to their modus operandi and the rules of touching and conduct were once again in effect; allowing sufficient space between individuals whenever possible on subways, buses, trains, elevators, etc. Of these, the elevator is once again the most uncomfortable—because of the small mount of space. People avoid each other’s gaze and stare at the ceiling or the lights indicating the floors in the building. For years, I’ve been convinced that elevators should have the walls painted depicting the history of a specific city. Thus, when in such crowded situations, a person has something to look and at the same time learn some historical facts about the city. And, since a large number of people in hotel elevators are visitors, it would be worthwhile and educational.
Seeing the Chance to Reach Out Whether we are in an elevator, standing in line at a fast food store, market, bank or other similar location, there are unwritten rules concerning the distance we must stand apart so as to not touch one another.
Humans are not alone in this behavioral pattern; birds also follow the same rule. Just take a look at a group of birds sitting on a power line in any city and you can readily observe that birds also establish equidistance from each other—like humans. Sometimes the distance between them is so exact, it is within a few inches.
A common situation in which you have to establish equidistance is when you are in a movie theatre. When you take a seat next to a stranger, you have only one armrest which both may rest elbows. In order not to let elbows touch, you have three options; allow the other person to have the space and you place your elbow close to your body without touching them. When you do this, you must keep your elbow from wandering during exciting parts of the movie. 16