With this blog, I have tried to stick to the "write what you know" rule. So, I write about law school because that is ALL that I know now. So, in reality, this blog is a "write what you don't know because writing what you know is impossible to do in law school." This post is going to be a little different. While it still does relate to law school, there are some different topics underlying it.
Today, I would like to start a revolution. Or maybe a small uprising. Or maybe I would just like to justify why there is a method to my craziness. Today, I would like to introduce everyone to the Elevator Rule.
Some of you may know about the Elevator Rule; some of you may not. The Elevator Rule is a great way to live, guaranteeing preservation of a buffer zone. The Elevator Rule goes something like this: When you are alone on an elevator, you stand in the middle. When someone boards the elevator, you move to one side, and the other person stands on the opposite side. If you are on a crowded elevator, and it is necessary to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, that's fine. But if that elevator clears and it's just you and one other person, you better move to opposite ends.
The great thing about this rule: it doesn't apply to just elevator situations. When there are several empty tables at Starbucks, don't sit at a table next to the only other patron in the shop. When there are six open computers in a computer lab, don't sit at the computer right next to me. If we're standing talking, don't stand right next to me. Stand facing me (with some distance between us, please). If we're waiting in a single file line, please don't stand so close that you can tell me what type of shampoo I use. Obviously, there are exceptions. If there are only two empty tables/computers/etc., and you choose to sit next to me, that's is totally fine.
Studying Spanish in college gave me great insight into the differences between Spanish and American cultures. Spanish people tend to be very affectionate, very touchy, very close. Americans have a zone of personal space (a buffer zone), and we are VERY aware when it has been violated. Sometimes I debated on wearing a giant hula hoop around my hips so people would be forced to not crowd me.
I said this was law school-related, and it is. For those of you who know me, you know that I reside in the library. I consider my apartment my home away from home. In the library, I have a zone I like to sit in, and more than that, I have a specific table that I like.
This is your warning. I like my space. It's weird and very American, but I have a buffer zone that I don't like being violated. So the next time you're near me, here is a way to know that you should exercise the Elevator Rule:
1) If all the tables in the library are full, and you sit at mine, that's fine. Completely understandable. I didn't fail the sharing portion of kindergarten. But if other tables open up in the immediate vicinity, MOVE. Don't expect me to move. I've got a laptop, four textbooks, seven hornbooks, 52,783 papers strewn around me, and have been sitting at this table since 7:30 a.m.
If you fail to recognize the Elevator Rule, I reserve the right to turn the volume WAY up on my iPod and blast "Party in the U.S.A.," "Ice Ice Baby," and "Don't Stop Believin'" until you cry or go insane.
Consider yourself warned.
