When you get in an elevator with one random stranger, do you have to talk about something?

I’m great with the silence, but most people feel the need to talk. I dislike the people that get on the elevator and have to stand right next to me, in my space, when we are the only two on it. I get panicky thinking they are going to rob me or kill me.

Silence is golden.

@chyna It’s funny how two people are likely to talk in an elevator but, greater than two, no one ever talks unless they know each other.

Why not? For fear of saying something inappropriate and there being a 2nd witness?

I don’t talk, and I don’t expect others to talk (whether one, two, or more), unless there is something obviously pertinent bordering on urgent to talk about. Even with select, nonrandom strangers such as people who work in my building, I don’t feel any need to converse to fill a few seconds. Silence is good.

I usually smile or nod, and then not talk.

It’s pointless to strike up a conversation when you’re going to part ways in a few seconds. Silence is the way to go, unless it’s to ask: “ok who farted?”.

@Ansible1 If it’s just the two of you, it’s pretty obvious who farted.

Usually, I get into an elevator with my wife (who is deaf, and doesn’t hear what I say), and I talk to her about how the doctor doesn’t know what he is talking about, and it can’t be Ebola, and the bleeding isn’t coming out of my eyes yet.
It’s fun to watch how long people can hold their breath.

I usually strike up a conversation. And, not because of a potential awkward silence either. It’s just my way to chat it up. Even just for a short period of time.

i offer a smile, unless something about them strikes me as the conversational type.

Typically, silence is preferable. Sometimes someone will say something to me about something random and we’ll have a brief conversation. I don’t mind it, as long as it’s not a creepy guy.

I was in line w. three other people at the Health Food store today. The owner, who was checking us through, said, “With three or more, you have to talk to each other.”

So I mentioned the Blueberry Festival that took place yesterday. Soon we were all chattering happily. But it was a safe topic.

And a stranger on an elevator is a different kettle of fish. I know of no local bldgs that have elevators, anyway.

If somebody started a conversation, I’d gladly continue it with them.
But I never start conversations on elevators or other similar situations.

Maybe I’ll ask them what floor they’re getting off on, if I’m closest to the button. But that’s about it.

I feel like in many cases if it’s a girl by herself i’m riding with, I can’t start a conversation without her thinking I’m trying to hit on her, so I keep my mouth shut.

I normally strike up a conversation because people seem to be so nervous and awkward

Nope, it’s one of the few times I can actually stand there without saying a word.

Just start talking about condoms or the 49ers, that’s always awkward

We usually greet one another, otherwise I like silence, it’s golden!

I pretty much talk to everybody. I know. I’m weird.

I just look at the floor or the wall or anything to keep from chatting about meaningless crap with a stranger. I am a major talker, I could talk your ear off, but sometimes, there is just no reason to talk to someone.

It depends on the vibe I get from the other person!

“Hello.”
If they try to take it further than that, I feel awkward. Just because we’re in a small space together for 30 seconds doesn’t mean I have to make small talk. I hate small talk.

@Likeradar Good Answer. When I walk into an elevator and the other person seems very friendly, and starts the conversation, there is no way I would shut them down. I am open to such an exchange.

@augustlan I must be weird, too.

They’ll talk if they want/need something. Otherwise a silent ride inside the elevator will do.

Simple. As they walk in I ask for the floor they need to go to – I will do him/her the favor of pressing the appropriate button. Afterwards, I just stare at the little digital box that displays the floor numbers until the person gets out of the elevator.

Either/or.

I enjoy silence and I enjoy engaging others.