I believe that giving people proper personal space is an important social skill. One that I value greatly. However, it is a skill that most children at the Gardner swimming pool lack. This doesn't bother me if the child is like 5 or younger, most kids this age are pretty oblivious. But when the kid is like 9 or 10, it really bothers me. They don't watch were they are going, they kick you, they practically jump in my lap sometimes. I was supper annoyed the other day by a girl who must have been 11. I was sitting on a little bench on the inside of the pool. The water depth was like 2 1/2 feet. This girl, who was bigger than me, by the way, pulled up to the wall RIGHT next to me and proceeded to do these stupid little back dives and kicks, splashing me in the face EVERY time. Little kids were playing all around her. She kicked more than one of them without so much as an acknowledgement. I so badly wanted to say to her, "For someone who is so big, you are oblivious to how your movements affect everyone around you." But I didn't. That would have been rude. But I was sure thinking it.
But, you know, I have an issue with personal space anyway. Mostly it manifests itself when people hug me. I tense up and the person hugging me can feel it, this has caused problems with my sister-in-laws. One of them accused me of thinking I was too good for her, that I didn't want to touch her. She didn't realize that this started way before I met her or my husband. It has taken me a long time to be comfortable hugging anyone, and by anyone, I really don't mean anyone. I mean my parents, my extended family, close friends. That is were my list ends. And in some cases it's still an effort to not feel weird.
My bbf's mother, Carolyn, noticed right off the bat that I had a hard time hugging. She went out of her way to give me big, huge, lingering hugs. Sometimes I would fight it, but she never let me go. After many months of this, I finally was able to accept and actually give a hug back that wasn't completely awkward. I'm sure it's not true, but Carolyn insisted that I wasn't given enough hugs and kisses when I was a baby.
But really, it not just hugging, it's just touching in general. I'm sorry, but I just don't want people to touch me. Give me some room! Is that so much to ask?
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2 comments:
OMG. I am soo glad someone else is like me. I'm exactly the same way. or if they go in for a hug it's quick or a side squeeze. heehee. I think we did that once. =) my husband is really the only person I like giving good long hugs too. so yeah. personal space people!!
Hey Leslie! I am so glad you found me :) How are you? I will for sure tell Deb & Jessica hello. They don't have blogs but maybe I can harass them to make one so they can say hi for themselves too!
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