My issues!

[Gilly Bean]

Ok, I totally have this issue with my personal space. Specifically, I have a problem with people i don't know getting to close to me.

Tonight, I went to the grocery store, and while I was waiting in line, this woman got in behind me. She started crowding in. Finally, she was close enough that her purse was touching my coat.

Now, if there had been people behind her doing the same, I could understand. If there had been room for me to move forward, I would think it rude, but would just move forward to accomadate.

However, there wasn't room, and she just kept creepin in. It gives me the willies, really.

Never been able to explain it, but if I don't know a person and the get within a foot of me, I get all weird. With people I know, I have never had an issue with personal space.

Mostly, it happens waiting in line, which means the grocery store, 9 out of 10 times.

Am I odd, or does this happen to others?

 

[HeavyStick]

I have a pocket fart machine.....people will give you space.

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

Nope, Not A Big Problem Fer Me.

Nobody Ever Wants Ta Get Too Close To Me I'm Usually Twitchy, Or Swinging My Arms Or Maybe Talking Or Singing To Myself. I AM However A Strangoid Attractor, So If The Person Trying To Invade My Space Is Weirder Than I, Then I Have To Become Vocal About, My Space, Their Space.

 

[april-wine]

Re: Nope, Not A Big Problem Fer Me.

Nobody Ever Wants Ta Get Too Close To Me I'm Usually Twitchy, Or Swinging My Arms Or Maybe Talking Or Singing To Myself. I AM However A Strangoid Attractor, So If The Person Trying To Invade My Space Is Weirder Than I, Then I Have To Become Vocal About, My Space, Their Space.

LIAR..........

Wondering does that make me strange??????//

 

[Romial]

Ya, it's a paranoia GB.

If I were you, I'd step back for some reason, to get something or whatever, and back right into her and say excuse me and she'll give you space.

 

[Eve32]

Ya, it's a paranoia GB.

If I were you, I'd step back for some reason, to get something or whatever, and back right into her and say excuse me and she'll give you space.

Perfect. One good accidental bump and you should get your space back. And yes, this bothers me too. It was worse when I was pregnant - people would start towards my stomach to pat it, and I would practically growl at them to keep their distance. That worked too - maybe you'd want to try growling. *grin*

Cleo

 

[Gilly Bean]

It's just.... UGH....


Makes me all weird, I think...



RNAB- I cracked up when I read that.


Now, I should really just become more vocal and ask the person to not stand so close, but I just can't. I don't know why, but hell, if someone is in my way, I'll pretend I don't need something in that aisle, and walk around to the other end via a connecting aisle.

I just am wretched at speaking up for myself, for all the loudness I have in other area's.

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

You, My Dear,

LIAR..........

Wondering does that make me strange??????//

Can Invade My Personal Space, Whenever And HOWever You Like

 

[scylis]

usually the dagger i tend to have on my hip (combined with the my sword cane for those who have the brains to spot it) tends to give people the hint that i like my personal space. acts as a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

and i ain't making this up.

 

[HeavyStick]

just start talking to yourself, "Oh the pain.... I won't use a spoon for cutting cheese, no not the rats...."

 

[Pyper]

Do not move to any country bordering the Mediterranean. Crowding is like a regional pasttime.

 

[RudeNastyAssBitch]

Really!?

usually the dagger i tend to have on my hip (combined with the my sword cane for those who have the brains to spot it) tends to give people the hint that i like my personal space. acts as a "Do Not Disturb" sign.

and i ain't making this up.

Cuz It'd Make Me Wanna Feel You ALL Up!

 

[Romial]

Ya, it's a paranoia GB.

If I were you, I'd step back for some reason, to get something or whatever, and back right into her and say excuse me and she'll give you space.

I promise you this would work.

 

[Rubyfruit]

Gilly, if strangers are invading your personal space on a regular basis, you might need to take possession of that space better.

A vagrant tried to approach me not long ago when I was busy buckling my kids in the car at a shopping center parking lot. You moms know how vulnerable we are then, car doors open, purse right there, distracted by unruly kids. I got angry! I felt threatened and said, very loudly, "Don't come closer!" He backed right off.

Anyway, that reaction isn't really appropriate for when an elderly lady crowds you in line, but I do believe it's about claiming your personal space in a situation-appropriate manner.

 

[Eve32]

I felt threatened and said, very loudly, "Don't come closer!" He backed right off.

Perfect, Ruby. This, btw, is one of the first things they teach you in self-defense. We're all trained from birth to "not make a scene" in public, but when the situation calls for it, it's extremely effective.

Cleo

 

[Rubyfruit]

It felt so powerful, Cleo!

I was really proud of myself, because I tend to be nice and accomodating. I've let those guys come up to my car before and I've reached in my purse to give them money. But I always felt uncomfortable about it. I didn't mind giving them a buck, but I did mind that they were making me feel vulnerable, and I do think they know exactly what they are doing when they approach you in that way.

 

[Eve32]

It felt so powerful, Cleo!

I didn't mind giving them a buck, but I did mind that they were making me feel vulnerable, and I do think they know exactly what they are doing when they approach you in that way.

Exactly. They play games with you, thinking you'll play like everyone else has been *trained* to do by polite society. Since I've been married (to a super-vigilant security-aware guy) and had children, my attitude has changed completely. I no longer feel compelled to do the nice thing if it means opening myself or my children to potential harm, especially in this day and age.

Sorry to hijack your thread, Gilly.

Cleo