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Original poster

Is it rude to walk past someone on the stairs?

79 replies

Helpmeup · 07/08/2025 10:55

At my workplace, people don’t pass each other on the stairs. If someone reaches the staircase and there is already someone going up or down, they wait at the top or bottom for them to finish using the stairs. I don’t really understand why, it’s very wide and can probably fit 3 or 4 people next to each other, so the space isn’t the issue. Is it considered rude? If so, why?

OP posts:
Countessy · 07/08/2025 11:36

Depends on the stairs. If they’re wide enough for two people going in different directions, fine. If not, someone should wait.

Thats aside from it being bad luck, obviously.

AlpineMuesli · 07/08/2025 11:34

Now that you mention it, I've always found it odd that people do this on stairs wide enough. Makes sense that it's a cultural or traditional superstition because I don't think people in other countries do it (that I've noticed).

Chersfrozenface · 07/08/2025 11:22

pinkstripeycat · 07/08/2025 11:02

It’s not rude. Imagine being at the train station and the crowds of people waiting at the top to let the people at the bottom go first. 😂

This.

How does anyone superstitious use trains or the Tube or any public place with stairs?

Can they only go to places with lifts and/or escalators? What about short flights of steps outside buildings like museums - I suppose they might use any ramps available

I'm genuinely interested in how superstitious people navigate this

MolkosTeenageAngst · 07/08/2025 11:19

It sounds like you stand and wait to go up/ down even though you don’t think it’s bad luck? I bet the majority of other people standing and waiting are the same! They are just doing it because everybody else is. I bet if you break the norm and stop waiting other people will soon start to do the same.

BubblyBath178 · 07/08/2025 11:17

If it’s as wide as that then just go for it. If it’s nowhere near wide enough then you should wait, that’s just practical 🤷‍♀️ For me, it’s not about politeness…more practicality.

PollyBell · 07/08/2025 11:15

So what happens in public places that have stairs and are packed, why would it not be bad lack or rude there but but other places it is?

IShouldNotCoco · 07/08/2025 11:13

Imagine how delayed everyone’s day would be if they waited for people to clear a staircase? As long as you’re respectful of their space I wouldn’t see an issue.

RandomUsernameHere · 07/08/2025 11:12

Only rude if it’s narrow. Waiting unnecessarily is annoying and can make the person already on the stairs feel rushed.

shellyleppard · 07/08/2025 11:09

I was always told its bad luck to cross on the stairs....🤔

Loveduppenguin · 07/08/2025 11:08

TappyGilmore · 07/08/2025 11:06

No, it’s only rude if it is not wide enough for two people to pass easily. I work in a large, busy building with people running up and down the stairs the time - no-one has time for just waiting!

God if we ran on the stairs we would be called out for it! 😅

Loveduppenguin · 07/08/2025 11:07

Twistedfirestarters · 07/08/2025 10:58

That's mad. I would only wait if the staircase was narrow. In my workplace we all pass each other.

Do you mean passing someone as you’re going up and they’re going down?
That we can do in our park place as we have to walk on the right. We are not allowed to overtake because we have to hold onto the handrail the whole time for safety reasons.

TappyGilmore · 07/08/2025 11:06

No, it’s only rude if it is not wide enough for two people to pass easily. I work in a large, busy building with people running up and down the stairs the time - no-one has time for just waiting!

SoftPillow · 07/08/2025 11:05

We’re a rational and not superstitious tech business, we cross on the stairs all the time 😄 I had no idea it was meant to be bad luck / rude

Original poster
Helpmeup · 07/08/2025 11:04

pinkstripeycat · 07/08/2025 11:02

It’s not rude. Imagine being at the train station and the crowds of people waiting at the top to let the people at the bottom go first. 😂

Haha yes! I also don’t understand how it’s different from passing someone in the street or a corridor. You wouldn’t stand there waiting for someone to finish walking down the corridor before you go would you?! It’s bizarre

OP posts:
5foot5 · 07/08/2025 11:04

If the stairs are as wide as you say then I can see no reason not to pass. Not rude at all. I have heard of the silly superstition too, my DM used to say it, but no reason to pander to somebody else's daft ideas if you don't believe them.

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 07/08/2025 11:04

chilliheeler123 · 07/08/2025 11:00

My Nanna always told us it was bad luck to pass on the stairs!

Same with never crossing knives, throwing surplus salt over your left shoulder and not putting new shoes on the table. Smile

I don’t put new shoes on the table either. I’ve been known to fling myself across the room to stop my kids from doing it. Saves the house being cursed 😝

pinkstripeycat · 07/08/2025 11:02

It’s not rude. Imagine being at the train station and the crowds of people waiting at the top to let the people at the bottom go first. 😂

MrsMoastyToasty · 07/08/2025 11:02

I understand its considered bad luck. It's something to do with the days of sword fights- the person coming up the stairs is at a disadvantage.

Original poster
Helpmeup · 07/08/2025 11:02

I can’t believe so many people in my workplace believe it’s bad luck though. I’m assuming they must think it’s polite to wait. But I just find it awkward stood there waiting when there’s so much room for me to just walk down the stairs!

OP posts:
chilliheeler123 · 07/08/2025 11:00

My Nanna always told us it was bad luck to pass on the stairs!

Same with never crossing knives, throwing surplus salt over your left shoulder and not putting new shoes on the table. Smile

Iocainepowder · 07/08/2025 11:00

It’s a superstition my mum (born in 50s) still believes, that it is bad luck (not rude) to cross paths on the stairs.

She used to have a go at me about it as a teenager at home. I used to tell her it was nonsense and that no one at school would get to their lessons if we didn’t cross on stairs.

ItWasntMyFault · 07/08/2025 11:00

It’s supposed to be bad luck - but I don’t believe in superstitions so would happily cross if there is room.

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 07/08/2025 10:59

I’m of the school of thought that it’s unlucky and I can’t even pass family on my own stairs 🤦🏻‍♀️. I’ve got my entire family around to my way of thinking now 🤷🏻‍♀️

luckylavender · 07/08/2025 10:59

Rude

Twistedfirestarters · 07/08/2025 10:58

That's mad. I would only wait if the staircase was narrow. In my workplace we all pass each other.

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