Thankfully, it was only for about six minutes, but for a girl who is claustrophobic, and already hates elevators, it was six minutes too long!
You can see by the picture that my hubby wasn't worried at all. So, in the interest of writing about the experience I thought I would share some things I figured out.
Stuck in the Elevator Top 10
10. It's not as bad as you think! Except for the stifling lack of air, no air conditioning and the constant concern the elevator may fall crashing down at any second.
9. The other passengers in the elevator might make great landing zones. All it would take is one push to create yourself a padded landing if the elevator goes careening out of control.
8. Talking about past childhood issues of claustrophobia does not help, and people don't really want to hear you talk about being trapped in a cave on your belly in total blackness. In fact, it seems to disturb them even more than being trapped in the elevator.
7. The people trapped next to you are not serial killers (at least at Polishing the Pulpit), but it never hurts to ask, and then smile a bit.
6. You really should turn your cellphone text tone down, at least if it's Heath Ledger's Joker asking "Why so serious?" It's a bit startling to hear a disembodied voice coming from out of nowhere when trapped with no place to go.
5. Don't ask people personal questions and then laugh nervously. It just seems creepy.
4. Closing your eyes and listening to everyone breathing does not help. It just makes you feel like people are staring at you.
3. Rambling on about your writing and how this experience will make great fodder for your book is pointless. No one appreciates the experience as much as a writer.
2. Bringing up the movie you saw where the elevator suddenly closes when people are crawling out the shaft is not a good idea. Especially if you are climbing out of the shaft.
1. Screaming at the top of your lungs when the elevator drops inch by inch from the second to the first floor helps no one.
What would you think about?
I would think #1 would help you. And I know I would think about #9. Glad you aren't stuck, anymore.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, every time I get in an elevator now I wonder if it's going to move.
ReplyDelete