This question came up during the oral examination in the Primary School Leaving Exam meant for sixth graders. The photo stimulus was people waiting patiently for ice cream in front of an ice cream cart situated near a shopping mall.

Now, I don’t know if you can visualise the above scene, but it is easy peasy to me because queuing is a quintessential part of Singaporean character. Living in a small island-state, where comparing with the Tans and Helmis is unavoidable, Singaporeans get plagued by the FOMO feeling when they see their fellow men queuing to obtain something they don’t have. Queueing is thus not only a validation of the stall’s quality products/services, but also a testament to our determination to get ahead in life.

To answer this question, I don’t necessarily like queuing, but yes, I have queued before for the promise of good food or the lure of free gifts. My threshold? One hour, without getting restless.