Recently, while standing in a line, I was watching the others also in the line and how they kept themselves. Some stood like security guards, others slumped over the rail or had a hand or their hip. I found for myself that I moved from side to side as though giving relief to each foot and I absolutely cannot stay still for longer than about 30 seconds. What about you - how do you keep yourself when standing in a line for a long while?
I too detest waiting in long lines. The time I can remember waiting in such a line was at an amusement park like Disney World. I will either sit on the rails if they can hold me or stand with my legs spread apart. I think I do the second so that no one passes me in line!
If I know that I am going to be in a line for awhile, I try to bring a book with me. Since I carry my Palm Tungsten E with me everywhere, I usually have several books, documents, and all my scriptures on it, so I can read it for a while, as long as the battery holds out.
Otherwise, I probably pretty much just move around, similar to what JB described.
I tend to stick my hands in my back pockets and start up a conversation with someone nearby. If there aren't any people that seem sociable, then I just do some good ol' people watching. I'm very observant, so it's more a natural reaction than habit. Also, I usually have a book in my backpack (most lines I encounter are here on campus), so if I get really bored I'll just start reading.
I usually observe other people. I tend to stand still with my hands in my pocket or crossed around my stomach. I do not like to stand in long lines. I don't like being still but I was taught from the time I was very little that I should behave properly when in public, so therefore I stand very still and wait my turn. I don't try to socialize very often unless someone else starts the conversation.
I can stay still pretty well. I don't usually find my self alone in lines, though, so most of the times I just talk with parents, friends, sister, or brother (yes, he's only four years old, but conversations with him could be very intelligent) I also find my self observing people quite often, or nor only people but also patterns I see around, how much each ticket costs if it's that kind of line, etc.
When I stand in a line, I usually stand still, and just watch the people around me, or chat with my family or friends. Sometimes I just read the signs around me, if there are any. Other times I count the cars, etc. I've got a joke about waiting in line, though I have never tried it...
If you are ever in a very long line at the bank, and you get really sick and tired of waiting, try this: lean over to the guy in front of you, and ask him if he knows how to unjamb a pistol. Guaranteed you'll be in and out in 5 min.
courtesy of Bob Newhart