Step to the Side

It never ceases to amaze me how many people just stop in the middle of the sidewalk, hallway, or anywhere for that matter, to take a call from, or FaceTime with, a loved one. They just stop. No consideration for where they are or who might be behind them. No consideration for their location; a grocery store, busy airport, mall, running path, theme park, or just walking down the sidewalk in a neighborhood.

I was waiting for my flight at an airport recently just watching the people going by. I think airports and train stations are the best places to people-watch. Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam happens to be one of the busiest airports in Europe. It’s a major transfer airport much like Charlotte, South Carolina is here in the US. It’s also known for having tight layovers and many delays which is a bad combination causing several people to have to run to their gates. I have been that person. One time the plane I needed to be on was boarding as the plane I was on was landing. I had to sprint past 40 gates asap if there was any chance I was making it before the doors closed. I did. Just.

Anyway, as I sat there, I watched as hundreds of people went by. Businessmen with briefcases and backpacks, families with strollers, people presumably on vacation, and our culprit, a dawdling woman with a roller bag, huge quilted shoulder bag, sweater tied around her neck, and cell phone in hand. She received a Facetime call from what I pray was a grandchild based on the squeaky, high-pitched voice she was using. She came to a complete stop where she was, which happened to be a narrow portion of the hallway between two gates.

She barely escaped being knocked down by the rugby player right behind her. As she stood there completely oblivious to her annoyance, she was almost mowed down several times, was glared at, called names, and bumped into without missing a beat. After she was satisfied with the conversation, then, and only then, she hung up and carried on. 

Consider this my customer service announcement for the week. If you need to take a call, Facetime with the grandkids, check for directions, confirm an address, add to your grocery list, or double-check your location, just step to the side. It takes a fraction of a second to step out of the way of the traffic pattern of people around you but allows everyone else to keep on keeping on. A little spacial awareness of your surroundings and everyone should be able to get along just fine.

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