Ok, so  you have all heard of the term “going postal”? It’s an American slang, it means becoming extremely and uncontrollably angry, often to the point of violence, and usually in a workplace environment. Albania boasts itself on being a country of “intellectuals” and there are/were many i.e. Ismail Kadare, Ernest Koliqi et al, however when it comes to waiting in line at the post office all that intellect goes out the window! If you have been here you know what I’m talking about. It’s bad enough when it’s cold outside, but when it’s 98 degrees and there’s no air conditioning or fans blowing then you really, really get cranky.

No, I’m not talking about the post office workers, God bless them, I’m talking about the consumer. Why is it that every time I go to the post office and get in line like a civilized person should do, someone inevitably comes rushing in and squeezes in front of you, whether there is space or not? Then someone else comes rushing in and they squeeze in front of that person. The only thing to do then is to put on your most annoyed face and try to squeeze yourself in front of them because they just won’t budge. Here’s a tip for the Post Office if they’re reading this blog: put-up ropes at each window and enforce the line method and  instruct your tellers to advise the consumers to take their place in line. You have to start somewhere and it’s a long, hard road ahead to change the mentality but sooner or later people will adapt, I hope.

Here’s a term everyone should be aware of “Personal Space”. “The region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs. Most people value their personal space and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their personal space is encroached. Permitting a person to enter personal space and entering somebody else’s personal space are indicators of perception of the relationship between the people. There is an intimate zone reserved for lovers, children and close family members. There is another zone used for conversations with friends, to chat with associates, and in group discussions; a further zone is reserved for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances; and a fourth zone is used for speeches, lectures, and theater; essentially, public distance is that range reserved for larger audiences.”

This chart is very informative. I’d say the Post Office, Banks, ATM’s, Power Company, etc. all fall within the social space range. Please look at it, study it, memorize it and adapt it. I don’t want to have to go “postal” next time I’m in a public environment!