The common situation in Seattle of competitive politeness. Seattleites, facing each other in a situation that requires courtesy, will want to let the other person go first. The result is that no one moves.
Many of Seattle’s neighborhood streets are so narrow that if cars are parked on both sides the remaining street is only wide enough for one car to drive through at a time. If two cars are facing each other down one of these streets one person will have to wait while the other drives through. It’s considered common courtesy to waive thanks if someone lets you drive through first. Often no one moves as they wait for the other person to go first. It’s the Seattle Standoff!
by Cryptolexographer April 1, 2010