Ahhh the ATM. So convenient. So full of money. So much etiquette. And here’s the thing, if you’ve ever been in an ATM line-up where people DON’T follow the unwritten rules…it can cause awkwardness.
We all agree that there is an invisible line behind the person actually using the machine right? It’s about 2 feet. Have you ever been doing your banking at the machine and someone stands too close? It’s the WORST. Mostly because, how do you actually TELL someone that they are too close? You can’t! There you are, practically IN the machine, making sure that the sneaky thief behind you, who is trying to see your PIN…doesn’t, but still trying to maintain looking casual. Or how about when the person behind you needs an envelope? They have to come right in beside you and snag one. That’s uncomfortable. But, we’ve all been the envelope taker. We KNOW it’s awkward, but we have to get one anyway, because we’re not about to waste time in line when we could be stuffing and sealing. punch in ENVELOPE for 1000. Or how about the person who does a month’s worth of banking at the machine..when all YOU want to do is take out a 20 to make change for the bus. They have to pay 9 bils and transfer money into 3 different accounts. This takes some people 12 minutes. Which leads me to the next thing….. MR. or MRS. IMPATIENT. You know these people, the ones who keep shuffling, they keep saying ‘ come-on’ and sighing under their breath. Cheque in hand, rolling their eyes, looking at their phone, then finally storming out in a huff because everything just was taking TOO LONG! (let’s face it, we’ve each been these people!) So, next time you’re in line at the bank machine, maybe make these observtions. They’re fun, and a good waste of already wasted in-line time.
kerr xox
