This morning my thoughts are dwelling on a very important subject. You see, yesterday was Costco Tuesday(every Tuesday I eat lunch at Costco with my work buddies, I have mentioned it before.) I was standing in line at the soda fountain machine waiting to fill my cup. I'm several people back in line, the people in front of me are patiently waiting their turn but I just want a water and the water is available. This scenario has happened about 100,000 times in my life. I really want to just walk up and get the drink I want but the rest of the world seems to think that only one person at a time can be at the machine. If I am next in line I always get the drink I want if that particular drink is not being used. I feel it does a service to myself and to everyone behind me in line. But if I'm not next I never do it, because I would be cutting in line.
I need the opinion of the people. Can I assume that the reason the people in front of me aren't going is because the drink they want is being used? If so, they wouldn't mind me going straight for what I want because when the other person moves they can go straight for what they want. Or should I just patiently wait my turn as I have been doing, even though it pains me greatly to see the inefficient use of the drink machines? I've been thinking alot about this lately, it has me in quite a quandary. What do you think?
I need the opinion of the people. Can I assume that the reason the people in front of me aren't going is because the drink they want is being used? If so, they wouldn't mind me going straight for what I want because when the other person moves they can go straight for what they want. Or should I just patiently wait my turn as I have been doing, even though it pains me greatly to see the inefficient use of the drink machines? I've been thinking alot about this lately, it has me in quite a quandary. What do you think?
I don't think it's safe to assume that the rest of the people in line in front of you are all waiting on the same dispenser. I think it's more likely they just don't understand efficiency or they just don't take the time to care. It's the engineer/problem-solver in you trying to find optimizations; not everyone has this nor can think like this.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm ever in front of you in line, I will be sure to let you know which soda I'm going for. :)
When ever I use the fountain I make sure to get my ice and then move off to the side for my drink so at least the next person can start to get their ice or drink. I've never been in such a long line for drinks, but most of the time i'm just getting water too, so I just walk up there. I don't know where the idea that only one person can use the machine at a time came from. I think it's qutie silly. I say, go get your water!
ReplyDeleteThe machines are totally made so that more than one person can use them at a time. I bet if you just went to get your water the other people in front of you would follow. It would be like you teacing them the right way :D Don't wait!!
ReplyDeleteWe have been told to treat everyone as an equal, so if you treat the people waiting in line as YOUR equal, then they are "just as smart as you are," and therefore they MUST be efficient and waiting in line for the drink already being used. Go get your water, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you and mellen. Ice then step to the side so I can share the machine. If you're waiting in line you could ask the people in front of you if they are wanting/waiting for water if not go for it. I've done that a few times too. I always figure if people get bugged over little things like that then they are wasting their time because it doesn't affect me in the least and at least I got my water quicker.
ReplyDeleteI think I actually agree that you can just go get your water... however, I do have to add.
ReplyDeleteI am a person with a very large personal bubble. That personal bubble encompasses a space as large as the drink machine...
Thus, I would prefer to be the only one at the machine. I will wait if there is no one behind me. (I sacrifice the personal bubble when there is a line behind me, but maybe others are not willing to sacrifice the personal bubble...)
I am with the ask the people in front of you philosophy. Most people are friendly and would appreciate the thoughtfulness of asking. Some people may just be thinking of something else and not paying that close of attention--you know--the sheep rule--just following what the person in front of them are doing. It never hurts to ask!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the women in the family. Get your water, my love!
ReplyDeleteGo up and get it. If you aren't bumping their elbow the other person at the machine doesn't mind.
ReplyDeletexoxoxo
Can I just say that I love you for being so honest and sharing how you really feel. Then again that's never been hard for you. With your quandry, do what you feel is right. You will be much happier than worrying what others think.
ReplyDeleteI say one at a time.....cause it's prolly rude what you do. Soiry.
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