The room is filled to the brim; in fact, it’s fair to say we’re packed in like sardines. It’s a phrase often thrown around to describe moments of extreme crowding, yet it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers in a space designed for half the number of people. Whether at a concert, a subway car during rush hour, or a family gathering that outgrew the living room, the sensation of being crammed into an overstuffed room is one most people can relate to—and often dread.
Crowded spaces are both a physical and psychological experience. The immediate sensation of being too close for comfort can spark a range of emotions, from mild irritation to full-blown claustrophobia. For some, the issue is physical discomfort: the lack of personal space, the constant brushing against others, and the difficulty of even shifting your feet. For others, it’s the psychological strain of feeling trapped, unable to move freely or find an escape route.
But why do we find ourselves in these situations in the first place? Often, it’s a matter of logistics gone wrong. Event organizers underestimate attendance, transit systems fall behind schedule, or an unforeseen influx of people turns a manageable crowd into an overwhelming one. In some cases, it’s cultural—some societies view close physical proximity as a norm, particularly in urban environments where space is a luxury.
Take public transportation, for example. A packed subway car during rush hour is one of the most vivid illustrations of the sardine analogy. Strangers jostle for space, clutching poles or straps, while the air grows increasingly stale. In those moments, you realize how adaptable humans can be, managing to coexist in uncomfortably tight quarters with an unspoken code of conduct: avoid excessive movement, don’t make eye contact, and for heaven’s sake, don’t take up more space than necessary.
Crowded concerts and events are another example. People willingly endure the discomfort of being crammed together for hours, all for the chance to experience live music or witness a performance. Here, the shared energy of the crowd can transform the inconvenience into something exhilarating. The collective enthusiasm often outweighs the discomfort, as the audience bonds over a mutual love for the artist or event. However, even these moments can take a dark turn when overcrowding leads to safety concerns, a reminder of how quickly a packed space can become dangerous.
While some people thrive in crowded settings, enjoying the buzz of shared energy, others actively avoid them. Introverts and those with sensory sensitivities often find these situations overwhelming. For them, crowded spaces drain energy and spark a desire to retreat to solitude.
The phrase “packed in like sardines” might sound playful, but it reflects a genuine human experience: the discomfort and occasional hilarity of navigating spaces designed for fewer occupants. While these moments are often unavoidable, they serve as reminders of our shared humanity. Whether grinning through the discomfort at a concert, enduring a crowded train, or finding humor in a packed family gathering, these experiences teach us patience, adaptability, and, sometimes, the importance of saying “no” to one more guest.
