但是在大多数情况下，我们要求公平。你之前可能在快餐店里经历过并不严重的排队怨气，看着其他队列的速度快过自己，便会咒骂自己选错了队列。

In order to solve this problem, the serpentine line was invented. Slate magazine’s website explains:

为了解决这一问题，一种“蛇形排队法”应运而生。《石板》杂志网站上解释道：

“The serpentine line funnels all customers into one big snaking queue, demarcated by ropes or barriers. When you reach the head of the queue, you are directed to the next available server, or teller, or customs official. The serpentine line isn’t always faster than multi-lines before an array of cash registers. But it offers important solace: you absolutely never have to see someone arrive after you and get served before you.”

“‘蛇形排队法’让所有顾客汇集在一条浩浩荡荡的蛇形队伍之中，中间用绳子或障碍物隔开。到达队首时，你将会被带到空闲窗口接受服务人员、银行柜员或海关人员的服务。在一排收银台前，蛇形队列并不比并列队形更快。但是它最大的慰藉在于：来得晚的人绝对不会排到你的前面。

In life, waiting is inevitable. But a better understanding of the psychology of waiting can help make it a bit more bearable. When all else fails, bring a book or a smartphone will also do.

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