Skip to main content

Manage Your Personal Space

 If there's one thing that we can all agree on, it's that sometimes people get too close for comfort. The area where we start being uncomfortable with others' closeness to us is called personal space, and when our own personal space is violated, accidently or intentionally, it can produce a range of reactions in us; some neutral, others irritated, and for some others, even angry. This week, we're learning about personal space, how to solve any conflicts related to it, and what to do if you invade the personal space of others.

Featuring…

Personal space is defined as "the distance from another person at which one feels comfortable when talking to or being next to that other person." Different people are comfortable at different distances, and respond to anyone getting "too" close in a variety of ways. CBS published a YouTube video, in which they conducted a social experiment to see the personal space limits some people have. The participants had a variety of reactions when their personal space was intruded on: some barely reacted, while others took issue with those who got too close.





Setting and knowing your personal boundaries is a good first step for protecting your personal space, but there's another way to establish your personal space: with personal boundaries. On psychcentral.com, we found an article explaining the concept of personal boundaries, how to establish them, and the difference between physical and emotional boundaries. 





Now that we've learned how to establish personal boundaries, there are a few ways to protect that personal space. Our final resource for this week is from psychologytoday.com, and this article lists 5 ways to protect your established boundaries. These steps, ranging from starting small to just being polite, can all be used to communicate with those who have stepped just a bit too far into your space. 


How do you feel about personal space? How would you respond to your personal space being intruded? Let us know in the comments below! 


Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

*Correction*Unlocking Your Voice Featuring Youth Engagement Now (YEN)

Public speaking can seem challenging, but it's an attainable skill for everyone. Whether it's delivering a speech at a wedding, presenting at work, or addressing classmates, confident communication is crucial. By learning to manage nerves and connect with the audience, it's possible to become more comfortable and deliver messages effectively.
Post a Comment
Read more

Stronger Together: Finding Strength in Shared Journeys, featuring Growing Up Online

There’s something really special about talking to someone who has gone through the same things you have. They understand in a way that others might not, because they’ve lived it too. When people with similar life experiences support each other, it can make a big difference. It helps you feel less alone, gives you hope, and often brings helpful advice that comes from real experience. Whether it’s dealing with a disability, mental health, or big life changes, support from someone who “gets it” can truly change your life.  
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond the Beat: Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities, featuring Elevatus Training

For centuries, musicians have made remarkable contributions to the world of art. Legendary artists like Beethoven, Ray Charles, and Paul Stanley have created songs and albums that will stand the test of time. And what makes their legacies even more inspiring is that all of them lived with disabilities. These performers show that talent has no limits.    
Post a Comment
Read more