Personal space.

[spangles1963]

How close is too close,in your opinion? I'm asking because I have experienced a lot of 'space invaders' lately. e.g. I'm sitting on the bench at the bus stop,a woman comes along stands literally 18 inches away from me,facing me,and starts talking on her phone. I know there's no law against it,and she's not harming me,but why stand practically on top of me when she has yards of space available around her? And the man behind me in the queue in Poundland. He was standing so close to me that I could feel his breath on the back of my head. No need for it IMO. I don't like strangers in my face,I think a 3 foot zone should be implemented.

My optimum is about 3 miles.

I dislike people standing right behind me in queues as well. Try when you move forward in the queue standing sideways with your elbow stuck out so they cannot get too close.

Also have a thing about people standing on the step immediately behind me on escalators, they are moving for pities sake so just leave a little gap and stop hacking your guts up into my hair.

I suppose it's that same phenomenon that means you can park in an acre of empty space and the next car that arrives comes and parks one foot away. Drives my Dad batshit

My optimum is about 3 miles.

I second the elbow thing. If there is plenty of space I stick an elbow in that person direction and they can either give me space or get an elbow in the where ever.

It's a strange thing isn't it? I think they must be in their own worlds. I was at the gym last night and all the rowing machines were empty but someone came and got on the one right next to me. They are so close together too, why wouldn't you choose one with a bit more space?

I do the elbow thing. If someone says anything I’d be happy to say oh, were you standing too close?
There’s no need for it. I don’t want to smell your breath, nor do I want you so close your snotty nose is in my hair, bleughhh.
At bus stops I position my buggy or my crutches at an angle to stop people getting uncomfortably close

OMG I hate this.

When I am in a queue I always hold my basket sort of behind me, sideways, so that the basket gives a bit of space between me and the person behind.

I can't stand it when people get too close - yuk.

Use your basket - it works!!!