What kind of a world do we live in when a person feels the need to tell someone else how to use an elevator?

"You have to push the button."

Obviously, in spite of my briefcase and cel phone, I have come from the stone age, and need instruction on the basics of high-rise transportation conveyances.

I was sufficiently confused to not have a reply to the woman standing next to me, so I stood for a moment in the lobby, watching the numbers decline as the elevator approached.

I finally said, rather meekly, "I did push the button." Which was probably a mistake. I should have just pretended like I didn't hear the person and wait for the elevator to actually arrive.

"You have to push it until the light comes on."

Ah, it was obviously, not an understanding problem, but a technique problem. I failed to apply sufficient force to enabled said mechanical device.

I wasn't going to thank her, but neither would I prolong the conversation. As she reached for the buttons for what I assumed was a practical demonstration, the doors opened. I got in.

She didn't even get on.

Obviously a strange world.