WAIT FOR IT…WAIT FOR IT

WAIT FOR IT…WAIT FOR IT

During my Thanksgiving visit to Disney World this past week I encountered strange behavior in many people.  Most people can deal with unexpected delays.  They can wait for long periods of time, patient, no complaints, pleasant even, but when the gates are open, when a jam-up clears, when the wait time is over, these same people turn into elbow throwing, pushing, snarling, assholes.

On our way to the airport, we were in a traffic jam due to heavy rain and the local high school traffic.  Everyone creeped along without complaint until we reached the final stoplight at the high school.  There was finally clear sailing ahead when that light turned green.  That is when three assholes behind us leaned on their horns because Mrs. Cranky did not step on the gas and peal out and leave rubber when the light turned green.  Thirty-five minutes of stop and go patience, and when traffic appeared to turn normal, that is when drivers decided to get nasty and obnoxious.

Soon after we boarded our plane to Orlando, the rain turned to snow.  Our flight was delayed two hours as the plane waited in line for the wings to be de-iced, and then we waited some more for our turn to hit the runway.  No one complained during this delay, everyone was polite during the two and a half hour flight.  After 4 ½ hours of a normal 2 ½ hour trip passengers turned ugly when the deplaning process started.

I waited for those passengers in front of me to get their overhead bags out.  When my turn came to step into the aisle and get my bags out, two passengers elbowed their way past me, not allowing me in the aisle.  A third passenger finally let me in the aisle, but only after I forced my body out and audibly voiced my disbelief at everyone’s haste.  It took flailing elbows and a “WTF?” to take my rightful turn at leaving the plane.

In line for a ride at “The Happiest Place on Earth” I was unable to take a single step without the person behind bumping into me or stepping on my heal after we had waited 45 minutes for a three minute ride.  I turned around and asked “Excuse me, but if you want to get ahead of me just ask.  I don’t mind waiting an extra 8 seconds if it will keep you from bumping and stomping on me.”  I was told by that asshole that I was rude and not in the “Disney” spirit.  The asshole did at least give me some space.

What is it about human nature that allows us to be calm and polite during a delay that is beyond our control, yet turn into annoying douchbags the moment that annoying wait finally goes away?