Whether you are on a plane, at a meeting, or at a movie theater, you must ask yourself the same question, Where should I sit? Is it really always better to be in the front of the plane, the isle, at the back of the theater, or at the head of a table?
Let’s find out:
Airplane
If you like extra space, the seats towards the rear of many planes, and in the exit isle offer the most leg room (although sometimes at an extra cost). If you like to recline your seat, then the seat directly in front of the exit should be off limits, as they are hindered from moving for safety reasons. Always avoid the dreaded middle seat whenever possible, as you will have absolutely no space that is yours. The front of the plane is always a hit, as you will be first off the plane. Something else to consider, is that while many people rush to be one of the first on the plane, there are perks to waiting until last. On a flight that is “not full,” many stragglers end up with an empty row all to themselves.
Movie Theater
Where you sit in a movie theater depends on what is most important to you. If you have kids, or have to use the restroom often, the middle seats can be a drag. However, sitting on the isles is not exactly the best viewing angle. For you audiophiles, the “sweet spot” of most theaters, according the THX, is in the center, two-thirds back from the front. This is where the sound calibrator sits while adjusting the acoustics for a theater. However, you will get more of a stereo effect if you sit slightly to the left or right from this position. According to some experts, the best seat in your theater could be in the front row. The reason being, having more detail going to your retina, more choices on where to look (engage) during the film, may immerse you into the storyline more.
Meeting/Restaurant
Everybody always puts the most important people at the head of the table. However, this is not always the best place to be. What happens if the two people down from you are boring, and you have to talk to them for the remainder of the event. If you are ever offered the honorary head seat. Politely decline and take a middle seat. This is often the most quiet place to be (nobody yelling across from you), is the most entertaining, and offers the maximum number of opportunities to communicate with everyone at the table. This is also another one of those situations where being last to sit down may be of benefit, as it allows you to see how the table is shaping out, and where the most interesting people are tending to congregate.
Here’s an infographic to drive today’s lessons home:
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About Dr. Eric J. Leech
Eric has written for over a decade. Then one day he created Urbasm.com, a site for every guy.
About Dr. Eric J. Leech