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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I know I'm BU but I can't be the only one - queuing etiquette and personal space issues

133 replies

BeverlyGoldberg · 07/11/2015 17:54

Recently I've become quite annoyed when queuing, I move up, and the personal behind me moves up closely behind me so they are practically dry humping me.

This happened in Boots last week, the queue turned a corner and I was almost sat on the shelves by the time she'd finished rear ending me. It happened again today in Sainsbury's cafe queue, normally I'd expect dinner and a bottle of wine before such close proximity. I felt like asking her if she wanted a bite of my sandwich.

It must be me getting over annoyed by this. I have recently been more of a grumpy bastard than usual, I'm blaming the weather.

Am I alone in BU in not wanting to be dry humped from behind in queues?

OP posts:
SpongeBobJudgeyPants · 07/11/2015 17:56

You're right. Some people have very odd ideas of personal space, in that they don't give you any Grin

PiperChapstick · 07/11/2015 18:02

YANBU. It's my pet peeve, WHY do people have to be so close?!

I was queueing in Asda the other day and the lady behind me was so close I thought she was trying to finger my bum Confused

Wombatinabathhat · 07/11/2015 18:04

Grin @ Piper

MajesticSeaFlapFlap · 07/11/2015 18:04

Step back onto their feet

Or say if your going to hump me please buy me dinner first

CainInThePunting · 07/11/2015 18:04

No, I hate it too. Especially when you can hear them breathing.
It's as if they are paranoid that a queue jumper might try to squeeze in if they leave a normal amount of personal space.
It gives me the rage.

Backthefuckoffpeople!!

Sighing · 07/11/2015 18:04

YANBU. Definite draw from internet shopping for me. The only thing getting near my backside is a comfy sofa!

AnneElliott · 07/11/2015 18:06

UANBU op, this is one of my pet hates. I tell men who do it that any closer and we'll have to get married.??
That makes them move back sharpish!

BornToFolk · 07/11/2015 18:06

I'm with you! Happened to me in the queue for soft play today. There was a woman behind me holding a toddler who kept kicking me. It totally wasn't the child's fault and the woman did apologise but if she'd have just backed off a bit, it wouldn't have kept bloody happening!

OddBoots · 07/11/2015 18:07

Oh goodness, this gives me the rage too, I have dreadful balance so can sway when trying to stand still so I like even more space than most in case I stumble.

SunsetBeetch · 07/11/2015 18:10

You are not alone or BU! I hate it too, why can't they take the hint when I try and move away from them? Why do they want to be so close to a stranger? And it doesn't make the queue go any faster (unfortunately).

Chippednailvarnish · 07/11/2015 18:11

Its almost as if they think the queue will move quicker if they rub up against you!

My DM once had someone behind her in a supermarket queue who decided to start emptying their trolley on to the conveyer belt before my DM had loaded hers on.
Fuck knows what they were expecting her to do with the rest of her trolley of shopping.

VulcanWoman · 07/11/2015 18:13

Well, this has given me a good laugh, you lot are funny, but seriously, I hate this too. Sometimes I stand with my foot sticking out at the back a bit, their foot usually touches my foot, making them think, Oh yeah, bit close there, nuts! or turn around and give them the evils or turn around swinging my bag into them. Grin

munkisocks · 07/11/2015 18:14

Everyone in such a rush now whilst shopping. I had an idiot yesterday stood right beside me whilst trying to use card machine in asda. I glared at her before inputting my pin number. Silly cow can GET BACK!

WheresMyBurrito · 07/11/2015 18:16

YANBU. I HATE this. Someone the other day kept walking into my backpack, it was so annoying. And weird.

PuggieMum · 07/11/2015 18:18

Well my standard response to this is to absentmindedly take shift my own Wright backwards ( as I am entitled to do) then turn round and look ever so surprised to have found someone so terribly close to me! They must be aware that they are too close as they always mutter an apology!!

whois · 07/11/2015 18:18

You could turn round and give a long crazy looking stare into their eyes? Would freak them out and they would probably keep their distance a bit! :-)

PuggieMum · 07/11/2015 18:18

Wright= weight!!

KathyBeale · 07/11/2015 18:21

Yes, yes, yes. AND walking so close behind me too. This is bad on the school run where it makes me very cross - we are all going to the same place at the same time - why do you feel the need to walk up my heels?!

And I particularly notice it on the way home from work with men, who don't appear to be able to cope with a woman walking in front of them (MUST BE AHEAD OF THE WOMAN) and have to walk up behind me, overtake, and then force me to slow down as I actually walk quite fast because I'm tall with long legs and there was no need for them to overtake me in the first place.

AdmiralData · 07/11/2015 18:24

Argh YANBU. Fucking irritating. Quick poll, would I be within my rights to give an accidental thump with my crutches?

bishboschone · 07/11/2015 18:24

I hate this too.. Sometimes I turn round if they touch me and give them a look.. I just don't understand why they get so close .. Fuck the fuck off !!

Caprinihahahaha · 07/11/2015 18:25

Yes, it's way more common. Drives me bonkers.
I have a big handbag which I heft onto my shoulder to provide a mini barricade. I'm thinking of weaponising it.

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 07/11/2015 18:25

I hate this. And I also hate people who wear massive rucksacks in queues and then step back randomly, despite me giving them enough space , because I then get a faceful of bag, being a short arse.

munkisocks · 07/11/2015 18:26

Admiral, you should put your crutch down on their toes if too close Grin

EmilyPunkhurst · 07/11/2015 18:26

This is where my sticks are useful. I imagine they really hurt when I "accidentally" scrape them down someones shin.

Before I had sticks I used to try to angle my bag so people couldn't get too close - it makes me really uncomfortable.

Interesting though: we clearly all hate it, so where are all the people who are comfortable pressing against strangers backsides?...

katienana · 07/11/2015 18:27

I would fake a coughing fit or start scratching your head and say ooh hope it's not nits again!