Land_Of_The_Lost Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Maybe this is more venting than anything. I work with a woman that stands about one foot away from me when we are talking face to face. I feel so awkward sometimes that I have to back off a little and turn my shoulder toward her. We are in the same department so I have no choice but to interact with her, but how can’t someone know they are invading your personal space without some sort of uncomfortable comment or request being made??
Walk Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 I had that with a couple different co-workers at different jobs. Usually I start off by making a comment about their lack of personal space. Nothing mean, just something like "Most people have a personal space of about 3 feet, yours is less isn't it?" Which never works... but I still start there. Then I make jokes about it. "Gesh, I thought you were leaning in for a kiss!" Or "Are you checking out my pores again?" etc. If embarressing them doesn't work, then I'm forcefull. "Please step back." Or, something I've said to a previous co-worker who had no tack, "If you don't move away I will be forced to pull your nose hairs out." Usually that works. I try not to let it get to that point though. I engineer the situation so that there's something in between us, or lacking that, I just take a deep breath and try to remind myself that not everyone is as paranoid of being touched as I am.
Author Land_Of_The_Lost Posted July 9, 2008 Author Posted July 9, 2008 "If you don't move away I will be forced to pull your nose hairs out." LMAO!! I may have to borrow that one!! Thx
Desperado620 Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 That is hilarious. My thought: take a step back and offer her a tic-tac. Burn!!
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