People who stand too close to you & invade your personal space ~ why do they do it? And how to deal with them?

Question

There's a guy at work who thinks he's all manly by taking up too much space, even tho he's really skinny.
I told him politely not to keep moving too close to me cos he's in my way and when i lean away from him, it hurts my back a bit.
But he got angry with me!

Also there's a lot of people, who, when i move away, they come closer to me!!! Its so annoying! Cos they stand far too close to people!

markscott · Accepted Answer

Sometimes they lack manners, other times they may be on the autistic spectrum, and not understand personal space, or they may be from a culture where it's acceptable, even expected, that they will stand close to you. Some cultures, such as some in the Middle East, are quite comfortable standing close. How do I deal with it? I simply matter of factly tell them I'm uncomfortable with them standing that close, and to please give me more personal space. Almost always people cooperate and are not offended, when it's not said as a challenge or in anger. On rare occasions, I have had to firmly tell the person I need more personal space, in order to get them to back off.

Giggletr0n · Accepted Answer

It's a mix of all of those things. I knew a guy once that used to get inches from anybody's face but he was never threatening; he was mentally disabled. Some guys see it as a "I am an alpha male, I must stand big" but really they are just another beta with issues.

I_smell_Ducky · Accepted Answer

Could be any number of reasons. Personally, if it's a problem I push them back and let them know it's a problem.

Nicolev1 · Accepted Answer

i think they sometimes dont realize it but some obviously do it, i never move away anymore because they annoy me

ChiTown33 · Answer

I would say it depends on the guy. Some people it's about culture. some cultures believe in more personal space than others. Some guys do it to show dominance. Lyndon Johnson who was fairly tall was known for standing uncomfortably close to people even leaning in at them because he towered over a lot of people it was a way of asserting his dominance in a conversation (if he can make you uncomfortable he's already put you on the defense).
That guy you told to back up probably got mad because well it was just a matter of comfort to you it was probably and insult to him.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I think you need to come out and tell these guys that
they are coming into your personal space. Yes lay the
cards on the table and put these guys in their place.
Yes they may get mad but they will get glad again i just
think they do these things to irritate you i wouldn't let
them get the best of you.

ikauragi · Answer

People are just pricks sometimes nothing can be done to change that unfortunately. As for what I'd do probably have a panic attack most likely.

EDWINDUNDEE999 · Answer

Shout at him say back of dont come near me stick your arm out towards him but dont touch him say it again back of and look at his face he will understand what you mean let him be angry its his problem he has no right to be to close to you thats not normal

Sevenpointfive · Answer

are you sheltered? you don't know much about social cues. i'd definitely push him back if i were you. he's invading your space and either doesn't care or realize it's happening.

why do i feel like you'll be asking why he doesn't pay attention to you anymore after you do this next week LOL!

NYCQuestions1976 · Answer

I stated it once before... you are surrounded with social weirdos.

LtJackass · Answer

Get out me face ya slag! I cud smell ya breath fro Mars.

hellacray · Answer

Well the only times where I feel this way is when I'm walking through a place that's crowded.  Another reason why I hate public transportation so much.

GreenGold1992 · Answer

If someone were to like you, they'd wanna stand as close to you as possible, but not that close, you need space to breath and they should be able to acknowledge and respect that. I think the guy is just being an ass.

WhatTheHellAmy2 · Answer

All of them. Tell them to fuck off. You’re right to dislike it! That’s so annoying

Anonymous · Answer

That guy is trying to own you. One step closer to you in bed with him, baby.

1828avaava1828 · Answer

hit him with a right hand shot anywhere on the dome

FakeName123 · Answer

Because not everyone has the same definition of where personal space starts and ends. Just because YOU find it too close doesn't mean THEY do.

markjohn9696 · Answer

u will suffer cuz of them embarrasses them they r impolite

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

I've had that problem (and haven't totally licked it, though I've seriously worked on rectifying it.) My sister Karen alerted me to its disrespect.

bill_towers · Answer

Stab them in the Guts as a Warning

TonyMetal86 · Answer

Miss kez it might be any of the above...

Aphrodite8789 · Answer

I don't know I’d just tell them to back tf up

Rangers · Answer

Just be like "dude, too close".

WhereAmI · Answer

They have a ‘mental’ disability 😂

Ninakaran · Answer

I try to move away from them.

Philyouup · Answer

They are energy Vampires. Fart.

btgs012 · Answer

Tell them to get out of my personal space

Tyliah · Answer

I hate that shit

clampfan101 · Answer

Any of the above.

Aidan245 · Answer

Are you hot? Could be just that?

People who stand too close to you & invade your personal space ~ why do they do it? And how to deal with them?

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Why do people seem to lack awareness and walk into you, elbow you, touch you by accident etc. and invade your personal space?

People who stand too close to you & invade your personal space ~ why do they do it? And how to deal with them?

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Why do people seem to lack awareness and walk into you, elbow you, touch you by accident etc. and invade your personal space?

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