“Will you sit down already?”
It wasn’t the first time someone said that to me.
I’m a stander. When I’m not facilitating, you’ll generally find me standing at the back of the room.
Sometimes people joke that I’m holding up the back wall. Sometimes they take offense that I won’t sit down. Sometimes they tell me to find a seat.
I don’t block anyone’s view, interrupt, or stand over anyone. Yet I often receive unkind comments and pressure to sit from other participants and presenters.
Some people seem to assume that I have an ulterior motive for standing. Or that I haven’t noticed the 20+ empty chairs. Or that I should just prefer sitting.
Few ask me why, or simply accept my choice. Perhaps it’s more instinctive to make assumptions about behavior we don’t understand.
So, why do I “hold up the back wall”?
Sitting for long stretches is uncomfortable for me, and some chairs are worse than others. When I can be unobtrusive, standing works much better and helps me stay focused on the speaker.
That’s the whole story. I don’t have a hidden agenda or a nefarious motive.
So the next time we’re puzzled or frustrated by someone’s behavior, and it isn’t harming anyone, maybe we can extend a little grace. Or offer a question instead of a conclusion.
The answer may be simpler than the story we’ve imagined.
And if you ever want to talk, I’m always up for a walking meeting. No chairs required.