Man stood too close

[DustyLee123]

I was in a queue yesterday and an elderly man stood very close to me, I could feel his breath. I tried moving forward, tried a cough, but no, he stayed close and I felt uncomfortable.
How do you ask someone to move back without looking like a loony? I know if I did it I’d feel really uncomfortable, and no doubt he’d say something, but I really need to get better in these situations. I’m normally a feisty person, but somehow don’t seem to be able to handle this.

I say ‘You’re crowding me. Would you move back, please?’

Does it matter if you look like a loony? Who was there that knew you? This is quite a big part of why Men can get away with this sort of stuff.
Next time just say “Would you mind standing back a little bit please, I’m feeling rather crowded”

In queues people tend to be close to each other. It's kind of the job description of a queue.

If someone was uncomfortably close though, I'd say "do you mind going back a bit"

Whatever their age.

Why was his relevant?

Some people have a difference sense of personal space than others. If you spend a lot of time in other countries you'll see its a LOT closer in other countries than here, a LOT

Also I read that as we age we lose some of our spacial awareness in terms of that physical personal space and its interesting that this was an older person.

I wouldnt say anything unless you thought he was up to no good (pickpocketing etc)

Well you could use humour and say something like "shouldn't you at least introduce yourself before getting so familiar?" and laugh, or you could just say "would you give me some space please, you're too close", or "why are you standing so close?" then they have to justify their behaviour. It's perfectly fine (and healthy) to assert your boundaries in a non aggressive way.

Be restless in the queue. Swinging arms, adjusting your bag, bending down to fiddle with your shoe, shuffle forward and back. Bump him a few times.

Or offer to let him go first- you can pick your own distance then.

Fart. Loudly

😂

Might start carrying around a Whoopie cushion 😊

Get the fuck away from me.

Just ask him to move back?

Stand back and stand on their toes

Happens to me often. I usually slightly step aside and become restless. Tried to confront in the past but got so much aggression in return, it's not worth it. I'm 5'2, curvy , good looking oriental woman and middle aged men often disrespect my boundaries.

I had this in Tesco once.Some old git nearly on my back.He soon moved back when I said to him"if you get any closer we'll have to get engaged".Works every time.

Blimey! This is an elderly man with possibly diminished perception of personal space and this is your opening line?

At least ask him to politely first?

I turn round and say 'oh goodness, you're very close!'

This is the best answer so far. Humorous, but makes the point well.

Damnloginpopup · Today 08:26
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Get the fuck away from me”

Really? You must find it tiring being so angry.

Rocking back and forth works well. Take a step forward with one foot then rock backwards. Take up space.

Move around a bit. If it comes to it have a "wobble" and step back then go OH SORRY DIDNT REALISE SOMEONE WOULD BE STOOD SO CLOSE

I wouldn't try to use humour if the person is ND they may not get it. Just a could you step back a bit please?

Or could you give me more space please I'm not feeling well

Why is his age relevant?

No. Don't be humorous. It he's a shit he'll take it as encouragement.

"Could you step back a little please?"

Just say can I have a bit of space please. People won't think that's a bad thing. If anything people will silently check everything is OK.