I cannot think of a place worse than an elevator for an introvert.
You and another person, less than five feet apart, the only sounds being your breathing, the beeps of the elevator, and that almost tangible feeling of expectation as each person waits for the other to say something first.
Luckily for us, we only have to take the elevator a thousand times a day.
Seriously though, pre-college me was content to stand in elevators in silence as I got to where I needed to go.
Maybe it’s the not so subtle way Vanderbilt tries to get us to socialize with each other or the openness of so many people across the campus, but elevator rides aren’t as daunting as they used to be. Even a smile and saying “hey” can be enough to ease that awkwardness that can sometimes pop up.
So maybe next time say no to the urge to look at everything but the person you’re in the elevator with and say hey instead.