Bring Back Social Distancing!

I’ve always had a very wide berth (Berth: to avoid or stay away from someone or something) of personal space. Maybe it’s a neurological disorder. I’ve often thought that I might be on the spectrum somewhere and nothing illustrates it more than my aversion to having people in my space – both physically and verbally.

There’s a very weird phenomenon that I experience. When I arrive at a venue – yoga, movies, any room filled with people – I scout for the area with the most space around it. Often I arrive early to claim my spot. But as people filter in, instead of finding spots far away from me, they will inevitably choose a spot that inhabits my space! Why is this???

I used to go to yoga classes often, and this phenomenon eventually drove me away from public yoga studios. I would arrive 10 minutes early, place my mat down with my water and props beside me, and wait. As people arrived, they would put their mats down right fucking beside me! I would move each time thinking maybe they would get the hint, but each time, someone situated themself in my space. There’s nowhere to hide in yoga. People just don’t understand the need for personal space.

I can’t travel to Asia. I’ve thought about it. But I know the Asian culture has more of a tolerance for a lack of personal space and I think I would lose my mind. I see pictures of Hong Kong and Bangkok and I think, HELL no.

I miss the Covid days. I loved social distancing. Though it doesn’t solve the verbal problem. I like quiet, especially at breakfast. I am at the Frisco Inn, a lovely B&B, that includes a full, delicious breakfast in the room charge. I was the first in the dining room this morning and I sat way back in the corner of the room. Because our tables were labeled, no one sat near me, which was nice, BUT, they talked loudly and encroached on my sound space. I put my earbuds in to help, but ultimately, I had to just put up with the nonsensical conversation, or retreat to my room and eat on my bed. I chose the former.