1.It feels like you just walked into a vacuum of death.
It. Is. Hot. And I've never been certain whether or not my increase in body temperature is due to increasing anxiety or excessive heat. It doesn't matter if it's the dead of winter. It's stuffy. And I'm uncomfortable. And I feel like I'm suffocating. Please send help.
2. No one knows how to cover their mouths
Hey, remember those times where our mothers/caregivers reminded us to sneeze in a tissue or on the insides of our elbows? That was so we don't infect everyone with our creeping-crawling germs. If I have to sit in this room for 400 years, I'd rather not catch every infectious disease around, thank you. It's cold and flu season. Cover your mouths PLEASE.
3. Everyone is angry
And really, who is to blame them? We've all been sitting here for hours. There's nothing on TV. Our phones are dead from excessive scrolling through social media news feeds. The people at the counter are overworked and tired. It really is a wonder how someone hasn't had an international newsworthy rage-quit in the middle of the secretary of state. It's fine.
4. There's always someone that wants to sit in the seat directly next to you.
There are like 40 other seats and you choose THIS ONE?
5. There are 500 steps for everything
And 500 lines. Wait in line for a number. Wait in line to be seen. Wait in line for another set of paperwork. Wait in line for your soul's impending death. Wait in line. Wait. WAIT. WAIT. WAIT.
6. The "text-your-place-in-line" option doesn't actually work.
I'm not sure if this one applies to other states/areas, but Michigan has a feature where you're able to enter your phone number on a website and it will text you periodically as you inch towards the front of the line. I was so excited to discover this the last time that I went, that I made sure to make a big breakfast, take a shower, and watch Netflix. However, even after my 3 hour wait from home, I was forced to wait an additional hour at the office itself. WHY.
7. Your driver's license photo always looks like someone struck you down with lightning.
Seriously, do I look this bad all the time?
8. But I guess it always makes for a good story
And when you finally get to leave, you begin to appreciate fresh air just a little bit more.