How to Protect Personal Space

Most people don't like it when another person invades their personal space. The person could be standing too close or speaking in a very loud manner. Either situation might make you feel uncomfortable and cause you to want to protect your personal space from being violated. Read on to learn how to protect your personal space.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Sit in places that give you a lot of room. Many people feel that their personal space is violated when a person sits too close to them. To prevent this, choose seats in public places where the seat next to you is not likely to be taken.

2. Take along something to read. To protect your personal space while traveling, take along a newspaper or magazine as a way to create a barrier between yourself and other travelers.

3. Tune others out. Another method you can use to protect your personal space is to use an MP3 player while in public situations.

4. Avert your eyes. Breaking off eye contact is one way to guard your personal space. This sends the message to the person that you are uncomfortable with them.

5. Back away slightly. Take a step back to put some distance between you and the person. A slight move back can put you back in your comfort zone.

Tips & Warnings

• In some circumstances your personal space is likely to be violated and there will be nothing you can do to protect it. One example of this type of situation is if you fly coach on a commercial flight.
• Some people may not pick up on your cues that they are invading your personal space. In this situation, you may just wish to excuse yourself if you are feeling very uncomfortable.