A few days ago I was caught in a lift having just opened a banana. Just as the doors shut you realise that, within a few seconds, the banana particles will diffuse through the air and begin to disturb the others trapped in the lift space with you.

What options do you have?

Firstly, I guess, do nothing. You should never forget to consider this as an option. Secondly, probably try to peel the banana back up in order to limit the diffusing particles being released. Thirdly, Apologise and stay in the lift all the way up to the fifth floor; your desired destination. Fourthly, apologise and leave the lift space on the second floor, taking the stairs the rest of the way up.

So what option is most advantageous?

It might depend on the ripeness of the banana and thus how quickly particles will be diffused. It might also depend on who is stuck in the lift with you: fellow students? staff? visiting partners? Perhaps thinking outside the box (or the lift, in this case) you might want to consider who in the lift actually likes the smell of banana, thus providing them with a benefit. The exact situation of the lift might also be relevant: is it a hotel lift where you will probably never see your fellow lift occupants again, or is it in a law firm, where you are likely to meet your lift occupants multiple times during your career?

Any follow-up?

Make sure that you dispose of the banana correctly and in the correct bin. And learn from your blunder.

Evaluation

Be careful with your lift etiquette, it might drive you bananas.