Comments on: Don’t Stand So Close to Me

By: Bishop Rick

Bishop Rick — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 05:04:49 +0000

Kristen,

I’m with you on the personal space thing. The one that gets me is the leaner. You can be talking to someone who is otherwise far enough away from you, when he leans in close to emphasize a point. I’m not sure if I should hold my ground or step back.

Incidently, this doesn’t seem to bother me if the leaner is female. I’m sure that means something.

By: kristen j

kristen j — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 05:07:49 +0000

That’s good to know. I’ll have to bring some BoM’s when I need some personal space.

By: V the K

V the K — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 21:12:31 +0000

Since I started my new job, I’ve been taking the (Washington DC) Metro to work and have become acutely aware of my need for personal space. Specifically, if I can’t have both seats in a row to myself, I would rather stand. I notice I’m not the only one. Yesterday, I was in a car in which there were plenty of empty seats, just no two empty seats adjacent to each other, and there were still several people standing besides me.

I also find people are less likely to sit next to me if I’m reading The Ensign or the Book of Mormon while I’m riding.

By: Kristen J

Kristen J — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:38:39 +0000

No, I understand exactly what you’re saying although if you have a lot of little toddlers running around and you are their mother than you can just forget having privacy in that area.

Anytime you lock that door it drives them absolutely crazy and they scream and pound on the door until you are done. Now if you leave the door open during these private times (I never do that when other adults are in the house) than nobody cares what you are doing in there.

By: Blake

Blake — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 03:12:06 +0000

My wife and her missionary companion in Sweden had a major issue with my wife’s lack of personal space. My wife had no idea that it bothered her companion. It was clear that my wife bugged her and that she was simply irritated by her. But my wife didn’t know it until the Zone leaders came to work with them. Finally it came out. Her companion said: ” can’t stand it. She doesn’t give me any space. She is always in my space, invading my space, taking over what I need to function.”

I really adore the fact that my wife invites me into her personal space. My personal space is different. I found out about a week after we were married and she walked into the bathroom while I was … ahem, occupied. I was discombobulated, discomfitted and just flat out stunned. How could she do that? I have demanded since then that she respect me personal space — the man’s prerogative to be left alone at certain times in his cave where ever it may be.

You see, she grew up in a house where there was only one bathroom. Peaceful co-existence demanded the ability to tolerate others in this very privagte space and private time. She didn’t know anyone felt like I do. We had four bathrooms — and the notion that someone could just walk in wall … well, unthinkable. It was beyond insult. It was downright perverted.

There you have it. I have dragged this wonderful site down to potty humor.

By: Justin H

Justin H — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 22:13:56 +0000

Since my wife became pregnant with our first, I’ve wondered often what it is about pregnancy that:
1) makes others think it’s okay to just touch a pregnant woman;
2) gives license to all sorts of extremely personal questions directed at the expectant mother that would never be considered appropriate when posed to other people.

The spontaneous, “Oh, let me feel it kick,” really bugged my wife, too. Fight for that space! What was that Safety Kids song about personal space?

By: Kristen J

Kristen J — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 15:18:49 +0000

Too funny. I’m going to have to try that one out.

By: Clark

Clark — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 04:21:00 +0000

Toddlers are great for that. They are also great for handling phone spam. Don’t recognize the phone number on caller ID? Give the phone to your toddler. They love to talk on the phone anyway. It works even better if they don’t speak any English at all yet but love to bable.

By: Kristen J

Kristen J — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:07:39 +0000

So what are you saying Cat? Are you trying to say that I’m super huge when I’m pregnant?

Just jokin’, I loved your comment, the toddler thing is too true. It usually works for me too. It gets people to stand about 15 feet away from me and either give me dirty looks or say, “My don’t you have your hands full!”. People are so cute and funny when they say that!

By: Cat Redinbo

Cat Redinbo — Tue, 06 Jun 2006 23:56:37 +0000

First of all, what are the chances of me running into you pregnant… again!?!

Secondly, I think when your pregnant belly sticks out past the one foot, normal body space, it is considered fair game to all gravitating paws!

Anyway, there is one sure way to keep people from getting too close- I believe it is called “screaming toddler in arms” Works for me every time!