Comments on: Why did I let that stranger invade my space?

By: Brenda Janschek

Brenda Janschek — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:43:32 +0000

In reply to Nick Coumbis. Exactly my point Nick. What prevented me was conditioning and therefore a lack of confidence to express my uncomfortability. In the end it has been a real opportunity to question all of this, work towards changing it, and helping my kids avoid these situations, as much to respect as other people's space as well as their own. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

By: Brenda Janschek

Brenda Janschek — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:40:15 +0000

In reply to Kate Bowern. Thank you Kate. It so interesting that I may not have considered all of this otherwise. So this bloke invading my space ended up being a blessing : )

By: Kate Bowern

Kate Bowern — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 11:05:24 +0000

This is a great post Brenda and I wish more people talked about this kind of thing. Thank you for bringing these topics up for people to think about. Talking about these situations with our children now will make a massive (positive) impact when they are older and in “sticky” situations. It also provides them with necessary tools that will be required unfortunately, way too may times in their lives.

By: Nick Coumbis

Nick Coumbis — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 04:07:17 +0000

Hi Brenda, an interesting post that raises a few questions. I will give a response from the male perspective.
I don’t condone the forwardness of this guy to invade your space and interrupt your night catching up with the girls. He acted like a ‘dick’ – no two ways about it.

But when he did overstep the mark by plonking himself down beside you, all you had to say would have been “thanks for stopping by for a chat, but I’m here to spend some time with my girlfriends and I’d like to get back to them”… as you suggested.

Instead you chose to “be polite” and let him continue to invade your space for the next 10mins before mouthing to your friend for help.

But you didn’t need help. You knew exactly what to say. So the question arises… what prevented you from politely asking him to leave right at the moment he over-stepped the mark?