In a queue: stand in silence or chat with the stranger ahead?

Standing silent is the default. Chatting is an unnecessary intrusion on someone's mental space.

Read the room. If they've got headphones in, leave them alone. But a simple comment about the wait? That's fine.

You never know who you'll meet. Some of my best random conversations happened in queues. Life's too short for mandatory silence.

I just want my coffee and to leave. Small talk in queues is peak awkward.

Depends on the vibe honestly. If someone looks open to it, a quick chat beats staring at your phone for 10 minutes.