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  #1  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 09:02 AM
Pretender79 Pretender79 is offline
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How do I gently tell someone, I need a little space, some time to myself; without hurting their feelings?

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  #2  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 10:49 AM
CopperStar CopperStar is offline
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Just like that. Your own words as you posted are fine. If their feelings get hurt, that is more so due to their own issues and not your fault.
Thanks for this!
ChipperMonkey, jbuttz, marmaduke
  #3  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 03:37 PM
jbuttz jbuttz is offline
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I agree with Copper! If you are kind and honest about it and they react angry or snarly then that says something.
Thanks for this!
marmaduke
  #4  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 07:57 PM
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Syc_amore Syc_amore is offline
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Are you introverted, or do you need space away from a specific someone? I'm very much an introvert, so nearly every day I'll need time to myself, away from people, away from distractions, just to let my mind rest and recharge.

If you need time away from someone in particular, but are happy to socialize with others, it might be worth it to evaluate why you are feeling that way; should this person be in your life a little less or even at all? That's a tricky situation, especially if it is someone you care about deeply or have a close connection to. If you can figure out what prompted the desire to distance yourself, it gives you the opportunity to start a dialogue with them about it. If this is the case, and a conversation develops from it, using "I" and "we" statements is more effective than "you" statements.
Example using an outgrown friend: "I feel that our interests are more diverse than they used to be." is better than "You are interested in different things than I am."

If you are an introvert who just needs time to yourself, I agree with the previous replies; say that you are the type of person who needs alone time. It's not that you don't cherish the connection you have with them, but rather you require a disconnection from everyone now and then. It's in that alone time you are able to connect back with yourself. Anyone who cares for you should be able to accept that response.
Thanks for this!
Nix
  #5  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 08:17 PM
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ChipperMonkey ChipperMonkey is offline
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Tell them that you need some space to deal with XYZ (or whatever). I've found that it's the extroverts of the world who take it personally as they don't understand the need for me time as much. If you get a bad reaction , it's on them. You did your part by being honest, and tactful.

I know this can be hard in the space of a relationship as some people require a romantic partner to be in daily contact.
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Will work for bananas.
  #6  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 09:35 PM
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healingme4me healingme4me is offline
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Another option is to set a time limit on the needed space, in case it comes accross as permanent when addressed.

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  #7  
Old Dec 26, 2015, 11:45 PM
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leomama leomama is offline
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How well do you know this person?
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attentionThis is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.




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