To not want this rude woman to stand so close to me at the cashpoint?

[PinkyDinkyDooToo]

I was at the cash machine checking balance etc. and as I was in the middle of my transaction this woman came and stood right nest to me. I felt really uncomfortable having somebody so close to me, so I asked her to move away.

She said 'okay, I can't see anything anyway'

I say 'that is not really the point, its polite to stand further away'

She then said, as I was walking away, since I had finished 'Well you could be a bit more polite, young lady'

I told her that if she had not been rude by standing so close to me then I would not have needed to talk to her at all.

At this point I walked away but I was so angry. She made out that I was being unreasonable. And I was very annoyed at the 'young lady' comment, which was basically saying that I should speak to her more politely because she was older than me. Grrr!

Okay, rant over, breathe

I don't think she embarrassed her as she should have known not to stand so close.

And it sounds like the other woman wanted the last word by commenting when the OP was walking away.

I don't think you were being unreasonable at all Pinky. I would have reacted the same way and been miffed at her final comment.

I seem to attract people who have no appreciation of personal space, specifically in queues at the shops or post office. They're so close that I can hear them breathing! Yuk! I generally get a miffed 'sorry!' with a raised eyebrow....these people genuinely don't seem to 'get' that they're just too close for comfort.

When people stand too close to me at cashpoints, I step back suddenly, on their toes if possible, turn around, smile sweetly and say: "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were standing there." It's probably an overly aggressive response, but it does ensure that you get some space

Someone leaned in very close to me at the cashpoint recently and asked if it was working, he then proceeded to try and snatch my cash.
It's not about personal space it's about having a bit of common sense and standing well back!

Think it was perfectly reasonable to ask her to stand back. Entering a pin code, seeing balance information and withdrawing cash are all confidential transactions that should be given some space for privacy and security.

However, next time it happens (if it does), don't engage with the person. A person unreasonable enough to 'crowd' you at the cashpoint is probably not going to understand/agree with your request for privacy.

YANBU. It's not only a personal space issue also one of security and privacy.

It's common sense to stand away when someone is using the ATM.

What bugs me is when you're in the supermarket, and you're packing your trolley and when it come's to pay the person/people behind have moved down to stand right next to the till and chip and pin machine! I almost want to ask them if they're going to pay for my shopping but so far haven't had the courage!

I think it's rude and agree that we should have a bit of privacy when carrying out transactions like this.

How about looking them in the eye and saying "If you get any closer, we are going to need lube..."

Or is that crossing a line?

PMSL Hecate!

Good one Hecate