Queues have become an unavoidable part of modern life. Whether in cities or towns, people can be seen lining up for something or the other. In fact, queues have almost become a symbol of organized society.

Wherever you go, whatever work you have to do, you can hardly escape standing in a queue. Queues at metro stations, at ATMs, outside government offices, or even outside popular food outlets are very familiar sights today. We are so used to them that if we suddenly find no queue at a ticket counter or bus stop, it feels surprising, almost strange.

There are weekday queues and weekend queues. On weekdays, office-goers and students line up at bus stops or metro stations. Sometimes, after waiting in line for a long time, you may realize you stood in the wrong queue such as for a different counter or a different train. Naturally, this is annoying. If you ask someone for guidance, you may get confusing replies and finally just trust your luck. On weekends, queues can be seen at malls, movie theatres, or even outside popular restaurants and events.

Sometimes queues become so long that people do not even know what they are for, yet join them thinking it must be for something useful or interesting. This is often seen outside a newly opened shop, a discount sale, or a famous food stall. The curiosity of “something must be there” keeps the queue growing.

Standing in a queue teaches you the value of time. At a bus stop or ticket counter, you may feel you have been waiting forever, but when you look at your watch, only five minutes have passed. It is then you realize how long five minutes can really feel.

Queuing also cultivates patience. To pass the time, people scroll on their phones, listen to music, glance through a book, or simply observe those around them. Some try to strike up conversations, but often everyone is lost in their own thoughts. You feel tired and restless, but you cannot lose your temper or skip the line. The only option is to wait calmly.

In the end, standing in a queue is more than just waiting; it is also learning discipline, patience and respect for others’ turn. As the saying goes: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”