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Friday, January 6, 2012

Your in My SPACE!

We all have our own comfort level when it comes to our "space". Some people need a wide distance around them to feel comfortable;

other people? Not so much.



For me it all depends upon if I know the person. I'm very comfortable with people I know. Heck - I'm a "touchy-feely" person - I'm Italian for cripes sake!

But when I'm around strangers, I DO like my own personal space.

Unfortunately, this space is reduced drastically when flying on a commercial airline, unless you have the luxury to fly first class.

Let me tell you, poor little ole me is seated at the back of the plane.

It seems that the seats are getting smaller (or am I just getting bigger)? The seats are closer to the ones in front of them, leaving it barely impossible to move once you are seated.

Now,  I am not a little woman, but I am no where near as big as this person:


I can fit in a seat AND buckle the seat belt!

On both flights to and from Chicago I had an aisle seat. This guarantees me my own arm rest and I don't bother anyone if I have to go to the bathroom.

When I am seated I try not to let ANY  part of my body touch the person next to me if at all possible.

Is it coming across that I'm trying to be nondescript, not bothering anyone?

It bugs the crap out of me when people recline their seats.

There is just no room for this anymore on the current jetliners.

I'm sorry. I don't think it should be allowed.

In fact, I think they should REMOVE the reclining option from the seats altogether.

Unless it's an international flight.

But then they should give more leg room so that if the person in front of you decides to recline their seat, it won't inconvenience the person behind them.

During my return trip to Phoenix, the guy in front of me reclined his seat for practically the whole trip.



So while he was spread out and comfortable, I had very little room to move.

Then the young woman in the middle seat next to me had to use the bathroom.

What I SHOULD have done was ask the man to move his seat back up.

But I didn't.

Instead, I had to become a CONTORTIONIST


to get my body OUT of my seat, my legs OVER the arm rest, and my stomach AROUND the guy's stupid headrest as it jutted into my space.

HE was sleeping comfortably.

I SHOULD have done this:



and say, "Move the HELL up!"

But I didn't.

Years ago when we flew back from Ireland, the man in front of me reclined his seat so far back that his head was in my lap.

I.KID.YOU.NOT.

And to make matters worse?

He had really bad breath.

I wanted to say, "Don't you think you should introduce yourself before you put your head in my lap?"

But I didn't.

I took a short train ride to my daughter's house. The train was packed for the holidays. There was luggage EVERYWHERE. I was lucky to get a seat, which happened to be in the first row right behind the pile of luggage and next to a seat hogger woman. She was an average-sized woman, but she like to take up more than her seat. I'm assuming there was an arm rest to separate the two seats and that she put it up so that she could have more room. Then, probably to her dismay, I sat down next to her.

I didn't think about the armrest right off the bat; that is, until she kept bumping into me and saying, "Excuse me".

I tried to read my book, and every so often would glance over at her. I noticed that her legs were spread wide (she had pants on) and her feet were resting on her luggage. She literally was sprawled in her seat.

A few times she rested her elbow on my muffin top!

Seriously!

Now THAT is in my SPACE!!

I kept inching over more and more till I was leaning in the aisle.

I wanted to say, "Move over lady!"

BUT I DIDN'T

Luckily I was getting off at the first stop so it was just a little over an hour ride. She was probably relieved, too. I'm sure she spread out on that seat like a spilled drink!

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS: Please be respectful of another person's "space". There are meek people out there who won't say anything even if they WANT to!

THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.....UH, IF THAT'S OKAY WITH YOU!!

17 comments:

Valerie said...

You always make me smile, Pat. I have a neighbour who gets nearer and nearer as he talks, while I keep stepping back. I think he prefers to talk while he's hugging. I don't. I hate it because he's IN MY SPACE. As for reclining airplane seats ... I once asked a guy to put his seat in an upright position and it ended up with a row with his wife. She said 'My husband travels a lot.' I said, 'So!' He stayed where he was while young son and I tried not to lose our plates off the tray. Grrr! I'm with you, Pat, ban them all.

Brian Miller said...

oh i would have created a scene...omg...flying is def not for comfort at all...personal space is miniscule...

A New England Life said...

So at what point do you think the man on the plane might want to stop eating so much and go for a walk? Seriously.

Thankfully we fly next to never. When we have I can't say there was a problem. Still, some people have no respect for others. It's just the way they were raised unfortunately : /

Jeannelle said...

I've never flown and probably never will. Yes, I like MY SPACE, thank you very much. Used to feel claustrophobic sitting in crowded bleachers at basketball games. And, I despise it when people talk at me right in my face. Good post, Pat.

Rae said...

You are too nice. Not me. I push back when my space is invaded on a plane. I am too tall to have my knees crushed by an inconsiderate imbecile ahead of me. A few hard hits to their seat back gets my message across. As long as travelers are willing to put up with the cramped spaces the travel industry will continue to squeeze us - bodily and monetarily.

Jientje said...

I'm just like you. In my head there's a million of things I want to say but I never do!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Heeehehe!!! This was yet another wonderful post sweetie!

My bubble is really small. I'm a touchy feely kinda person but ya can go too far with me too.

Like the time we visited San Antonio in the middle of summer. We wanted to see the Riverwalk. They crammed us into the gondolas like sardines in a can. A huge fella much like the on the plan but wearin' much fewer clothes was smushed up against me the whole time.

I was just nasty wet and totally uncomfortable.

God bless ya and have a marvelous weekend sweetie!!! :o)

Unknown said...

What you are talking about is the reason I refuse to fly anymore if I can help it. I will travel in the comfort of my car, or I won't go.

Ami said...

I tell people, "You are in my space." And I back up. If they get close to me again, I say it again. and back up FURTHER. I won't say it a third time. I will walk away.

my kids at work know about my personal space, too. We have the 'hula hoop' rule. And they have to pretend like my bubble is the size of a hula hoop in all directions.

Of course hugs are welcome from them, but when they talk to me or need something, they can't be in my bubble.

As for flying? If I want to be groped by some sexual pervert, I will just walk around the city at night. Still get groped without having to pay the exorbitant price to fly.

Francisca said...

There are interesting cultural difference with personal space, too. Asians in general need smaller spaces than Westerners. I always have to remind my staff not to get too close to our buyers at our trade shows, and still I often get to see a dance where the buyer takes a step back, my staff a step forward, repeat, repeat, until I step in stop it. LOL!

Halcyon said...

Goodness... there is too much truth in this. ;)

Lindy said...

AMEN to being respectful of another's space!

Nancy said...

Ugh. I feel the same way. Luckily for me my husband tries to get seats that are economy "plus" for long flights. We were thrilled to be upgraded to first class on our flight to Maui this time because of my husband's flight status - he says this upgrade was thanks to his rear end. First class is a whole different ball game. Not worth actually paying for, in my opinion, but if it's free, it can't be beat. They actually get the treatment everyone USED to get when they flew. And no, it is not your imagination - they have squeezed several rows into the same space. And some people have no reservations about taking a little of yours if they can get away with it.

kisatrtle said...

Wow...i like a little space

DesertHen said...

I have never flown and after reading this it really makes me wonder if I ever will. I would probably freak out if someones head ended up in my lap...lol! I like my space, but tend to keep my mouth shut when someone ends up being rude and takes more than their fair share! Yup...when us meek peeps inherit the earth, we are gonna have lots of room! =)

B. WHITTINGTON said...

So true. I fly just when I have to. Very uncomfortable.
Great responses too.
We should boycott.
What's wrong with the airlines that they can't see some of the problems. Go figure.
Next time someone invades my space I intend to speak up, kindly.
You need to do that too.
Good luck to us.
Barb

labbie1 said...

Totally understand! I'm with you! MOVE IT DUDE!!!!