topic Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself? in Community Chat

What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

TY — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:39:50 GMT

What polite phrases would you say to someone else -- like in a store -- if you feel that they are standing too close to you? I was paying for some cosmetics in a department store yesterday when some guy interrupted my transaction to ask the clerk if they sold hand sanitizer. I was not happy that this older guy was standing next to me out of the blue but I was at a loss for words as to what to say to him to get him to social distance himself from me.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

camelot — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:43:35 GMT

If you have to ask, stay home.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

chickenbutt — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:45:03 GMT

I'm going with - please back off. Thank you. (or something else if they refuse to back off) Easy

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Porcelain — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:47:37 GMT

I like, "I have cooties. Just so you know."

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Marp — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:48:26 GMT

How well can you replicate a hiss or growl? I guarantee either will cause someone to back off without you have to say a word.

P.S. If you opt for the hiss clawing your hands adds to the effect and shock.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

I am still oxox — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:52:57 GMT

Please respect my space and I will do the same for you

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Preds — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:53:27 GMT

@TY wrote:
What polite phrases would you say to someone else -- like in a store -- if you feel that they are standing too close to you? I was paying for some cosmetics in a department store yesterday when some guy interrupted my transaction to ask the clerk if they sold hand sanitizer. I was not happy that this older guy was standing next to me out of the blue but I was at a loss for words as to what to say to him to get him to social distance himself from me.

On a good day I would take 3 steps back, given him a dirty look and let the clerk deal with it. On a bad day ... I can't say because I would be banned for life. He was just asking and was ready to move on with a answer and a point in the right direction. Not everyone understands "personal space".

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Kitty Galore — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:56:22 GMT

@Porcelain wrote:
I like, "I have cooties. Just so you know."

OMG that is so funny LOL. You just cracked me up and I needed that today with all this bad virus news😹 And I bet that would work too !!!!

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

RoughDraft — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 21:59:09 GMT

@Marp wrote:
How well can you replicate a hiss or growl? I guarantee either will cause someone to back off without you have to say a word.

P.S. If you opt for the hiss clawing your hands adds to the effect and shock.

Remember to always retract ears in a backward motion

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

KingstonsMom — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:03:22 GMT

I wouldn't say anything, I would just distance myself by moving away from the other person.

Tensions are high, I would try to avoid a possibly violent confrontation, yet get my point across.

There's a lot of 'crazies' out there.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

happycat — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:08:15 GMT

I give them a look and say "excuse me". I don't knwo whats wrong with these people.

I was paying for my stuff at wal mart today, the lady behind me got so close, she could have seen my pin when I typed it in. I gave her a look. She had to know she was invading my personal space. I think next time I will start coughing like I'm typhoid Mary or something.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Foxxee — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:08:42 GMT

"Sir, you do know about Coronavirus, don't you? You may not have it, but I prefer you not stand so close to me."

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Mz iMac — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:09:16 GMT

@Porcelain wrote:
I like, "I have cooties. Just so you know."

@Porcelain

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

BarbiHollywood — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:09:48 GMT

This happened to me about a week ago in the supermarket. Picture this: Bagger is bagging which cashier is ringing up my items so I'm standing in front of the register so I can see what's being rung up. To my right, about a foot away, is a man. I looked at him two or three times but he didn't get my "look" to back up. I finally asked him, "So...will you be paying for my groceries?" He asked me, "Why should I pay for your things?" I said, "Well, because look where you're standing! Thi is my order, not yours. You're invading my space!" I always respect someone's space and usually have my cart between me and the customer ahead of me. I don't want to be accused of skimming anyone's card or looking at their credit card information.

I do like the other poster's cooties comment above!!!!

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

CelticCrafter — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:12:26 GMT

@BarbiHollywood did he back off?

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

SandySparkles — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:14:25 GMT

@TY Many people are feeling the sense of insecurity you experienced, and would certainly understand your situation.

He was most likely very" focused", and not thinking of his social graces. I think a polite, customary phrase like "Sir/Mam, can you please not stand so close", followed with a smile might be one way of approaching people that are very distracted by all of this.

Some people might not have been very nice to him for what he did, and even though you were dumbfounded, you did not respond negatively. That speaks volumes of your kind nature.😊

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

BarbiHollywood — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:15:13 GMT

@CelticCrafter wrote:
@BarbiHollywood did he back off?

@CelticCrafterNO! It was as if it went right over his head. At that point, I was done and had gotten my receipt so I just laughed to myself. The thing is there's no reason to feel funny or awkward about asking someone to move back.

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

Sooner — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:17:51 GMT

Watch Doc Martin and practice, practice, practice his favorite phrases, voice, mannarisms and attitude!

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

phoenixbrd — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 23:06:49 GMT

@Sooner Another fan of Doc Martin and the reason why I liked House.....curmudgeons that go against the grain. The shows are quirky and don't follow the prescribed logical script. But recently it has only been reruns and Thursday (time slot) it wasn't shown at all

Re: What polite phrases to use to social distance yourself?

dex — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:40:19 GMT

@TY wrote:
What polite phrases would you say to someone else -- like in a store -- if you feel that they are standing too close to you? I was paying for some cosmetics in a department store yesterday when some guy interrupted my transaction to ask the clerk if they sold hand sanitizer. I was not happy that this older guy was standing next to me out of the blue but I was at a loss for words as to what to say to him to get him to social distance himself from me.

I would have asked him his name and phone number so he could be contacted if the results of my carona virus test is positive.