I went to a local medical lab this morning for blood tests. I'd been
to the same lab many times before, and so I knew that the way one got
in and out quickly was to arrive about 10 minutes before it opened
(8:00)and walk right up to the door where a line would begin to form.
When I arrived there this morning, no one was yet in line, though
three occupied cars were in the small parking lot. This is often the
case and for either of two reasons: the patients are oldsters who
would rather sit in their cars until the facility opens or they're
younger folks who are not familiar with the pre-opening line forming
practice. Regardless of their reasons, they're not yet in line, and so
it is with some expectation of resentment that I, having arrived later
then they, become first in line. I must confess I don't feel guilty
about so behaving, since it's virtually impossible to determine the
order in which the other cars had arrived. When I turned to the
elderly woman directly behind me, I asked her whether she was here
first, but she shook her head no. Should I have then polled everyone
else who'd clambered out of their cars on seeing me walk up to the
door? I shouldn't think so.

I've had similar experiences at supermarket deli counters, those that
have a wheel of numbered slips to manage the order in which customers
are to be served. I always take such a number, even if I see only one
or two other people waiting at the counter. Oftentimes those people
apparently assume that the counter manager has not yet activated the
numbering system and so don't take a number. Dirty looks inevitably
follow as my number is called and I'm helped before they are. Once
again I feel no sense of guilt, since I'm playing by the rules. Should
I feel or behave otherwise?

I think you are doing the right thing, and not bother about others.

Hi Nautico..

I have to agree with you. The first one who gets in line is the first
regardless of when their cars arrived. You were very nice to ask the
elderly lady if she arrived first but there was no real need for that
as its clear that you were the first to line up.

As for the deli counter, if there is a number thingy, then customers
should use it to get fair service. I, for one, HATE lining up for
anything and always try to find the quickest route.

Take care,

Steph53

I do the same thing at the medical lab I visit.  First in line is the
first person at the door at 8:00am.  If someone arrived 10 minutes
earlier and waiting in their car or across the road in the diner, bad
luck.

However, if the person is old or frail and they tell me they were
first I will usually give in.  In my experience there are usually 2 -3
nurses on duty so the first 2-3 in line normally get served at much
the same time.

If a youngster tries that line its........