Questions tagged [personal-space]

8 questions
59
votes
15 answers

How to stop people from touching me without having to freak out at them

I have a problem that I haven't been able to find an amicable solution to so far. I really don't like being touched, to the point where if someone is touching me unexpectedly I get confusion rising to panic if they won't stop. Over the years I've…
18
votes
5 answers

How can I decline a hug without offending?

My boyfriend shares an apartment with an older man who has a physical disability which prevents him from walking. The housemate is very kind and intelligent. However, sometimes when I am alone with him he will ask me to come over and give him a hug.…
10
votes
2 answers

How can I let people know that I don't want to be touched?

I sometimes have an issue where people, especially older ladies, touch my arm or shoulder when they are talking to me. Usually it is only for a few seconds but sometimes it is more than that, and it is often very uncomfortable. I think they do not…
user18580
6
votes
1 answer

How do I get my friends to understand that I won't be social ALL the time and tolerate their scoff when I say 'I'm studying'

For a few months, I've been going out to wherever they've called. Spent money on food outside, had drinks with these folks. I have my exams coming up. Every time I get a text saying 'Hey, what's up! Wanna hangout?', I've told them 'I'm studying' or…
5
votes
3 answers

How to get housemates to be quieter when video-chatting?

I live in a large shared house with international people. I noticed it’s natural to speak a bit louder than a normal voice when video-chatting (because the microphone isn’t right beside your face). I find my roommates use Skype video-chat a lot and…
user16097
4
votes
2 answers

When sitting, how to non-verbally communicate that someone is invading your personal space?

I don't like it when people are physically too close to me. When standing, this isn't a problem since I can move a little and distance myself from the person being too close to me. However, when sitting, moving can be harder or not possible. It…
Ael
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4
votes
1 answer

How to get coworkers to stop asking me questions about my personal life?

Background: I work for a small company consisting of 5 to 10 employees including project manager. Every morning, as a team we conduct a standup meeting to discuss the daily agenda that sometimes include informal discussions (problem part) either…
Ahsan
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3
votes
2 answers

Polite way to request more "elbow room" in open-plan office?

My workplace subscribes to a startup mentality and our seating is made up of long double-sided tables that are each five "desk" pieces locked together end-to-end. Anyone is free to sit where they like and move chairs around as desired. As an…
Alex
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