PERSONAL SPACE PLEASE

GIVE ME MY PERSONAL SPACE PLEASE.

Today’s post is nothing short of a PSA because I’m tired y’all. Tired of going to the grocery store and the lady behind me is all in my backside. So very tired of being at the mall (a place with so much room) and practically going toe to toe with a total stranger insistent on walking so close to me. I’m frankly exhausted by a portion of society’s lack of understanding when it comes to personal space. So much so that I feel like we need to talk babes. There are a few things we have got to iron out when it comes to personal space.

For one, my thoughts about personal space aren’t new and just realized. I’d like to think I’ve always been disturbed by being too close to someone I don’t know.

I’d even go as far to say that my body goes into shutdown mode the moment someone gets too close.

But isn’t that everyone?

Shouldn’t we all feel slightly panicked when the breath of another becomes your own? Dramatic maybe, but them being that close makes it feel just like that.

Don’t get me wrong though. There are settings where maintaining personal space is practically impossible. Where avoiding being pressed against someone is a mute point (club, bar, airport). However, if it can be helped try your damndest to help it and back tf up.

Harsh maybe, but give me a break y’all LOL. I’m coming off of being personally triggered just last night while at the grocery store.

The lady in question was right behind me as I prepared to check out. As I was rounding out my transaction she was pressed so close to me that you’d think she was supplying the payment and not me.

Like c’mon.

Can I pay first? Grab my receipt maybe and begin rolling my cart away before you feel the need to get so damn close? Sheesh.

As human beings personal space is a protective measure, the body’s own personal buffer zone. A vital part of social interaction. It’s the mind’s way of creating a shield around the body in the presence or absence of a threat.

So it’s triggering when someone invades that protective measure. Y’all. I’ve been so triggered recently that I’m almost at the point of declaring, “Personal space please” the next time someone gets too close.

HA.

As I round out this morning’s post, I challenge you to determine whether you’re the invader or individual being invaded.

If you’re the invader, consciously make an effort to give some room. Back up a little as you consider how being that close to another person is making them feel.

If you’re the one being invaded (this part is just as much for me as it is for y’all), give them grace. Kindly communicate the desire for personal space in a manner that’s appropriate for the setting.

To personal space being acknowledged and respected,

Thelms