Space Issues

As I find myself in this my 44th year on the planet, I often times get so FREAKING ANNOYED with folks crowding me. Whether at the checkout line or sitting next to me in an almost empty movie theater, it seems to irk me more and more each time! Is it me or has our personal space shrunk by leaps and bounds? I get annoyed and downright angry when someone is "tailgating" me and wonder if anyone else has this going on? Your ideas?

Hi, ibleufem, and welcome to Psych Central! I know what you mean. I suspect younger folks are not as sensitive to such issues as in the past--and as we become more and more a country with various ethnic groups, such as South American, then we will see such "requirements" change. Some countries just have closer interpersonal space ideas than has been the past in the U.S. over all.

Yes, I too have been this way most of my life. My stature is short, and I notice that when people are too close or too close and taller, it really feels quite inappropriate. My own natural instinct is to step away or move when/if possible. Personal touch is a big issue for me also.

Interesting point, Jade. I am short, too, and it seems like folks tend to literally overlook us or sort of treat us as children and thus, don't acknowledge the personal space issues as much.

1bluefem, I assume you are not vertically-challenged, though.

Thanks for replying Traveling!!! You make a good point regarding our changing demographic as a whole. Perhaps I am becoming a grumpy ol' crazy cat lady? LOL

Jade, is 5'4 or so considered short? That's my height without heels.

I too have issues with touch in that I don't mind it as long as it is on my terms. I think for me personally it has to do with being sensitive to other people's energy. It can be almost smothering with a big group of people.

Do you experience this as well?
Thanks for responding too.

I am around 5'4 Traveling...is that "short?"

When I am standing tall, 5'3" is barefoot height. 5'4" and you are short too. In my younger days I could grow taller w/ heels but now I would probably fall off of them. Ha ha

Yes, being smallish has blessings and curses too. When I assert myself I have to grow inside out lol.
A lot of old stuff comes up. I do dislike when people I am speaking with look down at me, or over my head
I feels oddly harmful or threatening somehow....

The personal space issue has been ongoing though. Either feels invading or incompetant. Worse that I should care...

Im a whopping 5 foot. Im feel is getting stepped on. I hate crowds for that reason. I try to stray away. Sometimes I dont get to see what I want to see but its better then not being able to breathe or being stepped on.

I'm 5'3" 28yrs old and I can't stand ppl in my bubble. I don't know u and for some reason a lot of ppl these days don't either a)shower b) wear deodorant or c) care that they reek!! Their stench seems to stick to me or at least remain in my nasal cavities for long periods cuz all I smell is that stench. I like strangers to be no closer than 12in to me. Ppl I know can be closer but only if I like u.

Hi ibleufem! I find "tailgating" seriously annoying. It happens at home more often than outside but in any situation where I find it happening to me all I really want to do is move in with the penguins in Antarctica, then maybe people will stop following me around.

I hate lines and crowds and being behind slow drivers as well as having people tailgating me. I don't wait at restaurants, if there is a line, I'm out of there. That use to make it hard to find a place for date night but now that we're older/retired and show up at restaurants at 4:30 like any other self-respecting codger it is a bit easier. I did learn one trick I still sometimes use; if someone is going too slow in front or tailgating, just pull out of the line and wait a minute or two and they'll be gone along with that frustration. I pay especial attention to the tailgaters these days though because they're the real angry ones and if I slow down or something it just pisses them off more and, nowadays, you don't know who has a gun/is crazy, etc. Drivers are too aggressive these days.