If you dread waiting in line, psychologists say you probably have these common traits

It’s normal to leave an item on the shelf once in a while because the line is too long. But if you find yourself doing this frequently, psychology may explain why.

For many, waiting in line is a routine part of daily life. But for others, it can trigger frustration and stress. Experts and academic psychologists say that feeling overwhelmed in a queue often stems from a mix of impatience, anxiety, and discomfort.

This reaction can occur when you feel out of control, depending on external factors like the speed of the cashier, how other customers behave, or other circumstances. According to psychotherapist Conectia Psicología, “Humans generally feel more comfortable when they can predict how events will unfold and anticipate the outcome.”

The role of anticipatory anxiety

One of the main reasons waiting in line feels stressful is something psychologists call anticipatory anxiety. The Centro de Psicología Psiconet, another center for psychology, explains that this often happens when you notice another line moving faster than yours. This reflects what’s sometimes called the “Erma Bombeck law,” the tendency to convince yourself that the other line is always quicker.

“This thought creates immediate frustration and makes the wait feel longer than it actually is. The uncertainty about how long the line will take only intensifies the discomfort,” Psiconet experts say.

They note that if you knew the wait would only be 15 minutes, you would probably tolerate it more easily. The most stressful part is not knowing how long you’ll be stuck waiting.

Why lines can feel unfair

Another factor that adds to the stress is when someone who arrived after you is already checking out while you still have two people ahead of you. “At that point, the line stops being a neutral process and becomes an invisible competition. Comparing yourself to others increases tension and multiplies discomfort, especially for highly self-critical individuals,” Conectia Psicología explains.

Research from the Association for Psychological Science also shows that people feel more satisfied when a line starts slow and speeds up, rather than starting fast and slowing down.

Tips to make waiting easier

Psychologists recommend several strategies to manage the stress of waiting:

• Accept queues as a normal part of daily life.
• Read a book or listen to a podcast.
• Mentally review a to-do list to make time feel shorter.
• Remember that every line has its own pace, and there’s no guarantee of picking the fastest one.

By shifting your focus and expectations, waiting in line can become less stressful and more manageable.

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