A Matter of Honouring the Self and Respecting Others.

“Nothing in Nature can be fully free without restricions or interdependence. Such is the way of Nature, like so is its creations. There can be free will for all, but care should be taken in its extension so it never suffocates others. All natural elements like Sun, Ocean confine to their own boundaries, in spite of being so potent and powerful. If they cross calamities can happen.”

I received these above reflections from my mother on reading my recent post On Freedom

This is an important aspect of freedom which is about respect for edges and spaces. Knowing your edges… is knowing your freedom ends at the tip of your fingers and toes. So honour your personal space… Beyond that there are boundaries to be respected.

On respecting another’s personal space

The term “personal space” generally refers to the physical distance between two people in a social, family, or work environment. Think of your personal space as the air between your body and an invisible shield, or bubble, you have formed around yourself for any relationship.

Respect for personal space is an important life skill .
Although there are different norms in different cultures across the world . Any invasion of personal space is considered a threat to the freedom of the individual all over the world.

Dancing and Personal Space.

Speaking of partner dancing… in certain dances there are rules for a professional distance to be maintained between dancers so that they wont get in each others way, which technically makes perfect sense.

But rules are often broken and unfortunately that is also the reason where you feel uncomfortable dancing with some people over others.
The best connection amongst dancers are in those that respect the partnership and maintain the personal space in between as it helps them manuvere moves with ease.
Yet in life we often see people blatantly trampling on each others personal spaces.
Not only is it too close for comfort it is also an invasion of privacy and threatening in nature.

A few tips on respecting personal spaces.

Every person has different standards of physical and social contact . Some people run the risk of offending others as they have a pesky habit of touching or tapping people as they converse … it truly can be very irritating and in many cultures around the world it is considered rude and ill mannered. It is wise to avoid touching anyone you don’t know.

Always enter a room or office by knocking first. Respect anothers privacy as much as you would like another to respect your own.

Acknowledge others personal space on the road or in public spaces.While travelling make sure to keep your edges with you. Avoid flaying and flinging arms too much as you walk for it can get in anothers way.

It is rude to fling your arm around someone’s shoulder or slap anyone on the back unless you know the person very well. Overt display of affection can be irritating as not everyone is comfortable with the physical touch.

It is good to understand every parent looks at parenting differently. Some think their infants can contract germs if touched by strangers. So avoid cuddling or fondling others children.

It is also important to speak to and show children how to protect their boundaries and respect the personal space of others.

Be close enough to hear and speak without whispering or shouting.While standing stay at least 4 feet away from a person unless you know him or her well. Avoiding treading on someone’s pathway.

At times invariably people get too close for comfort . Take note of cues.When someone leans away from you, you are probably in that person’s space that makes him or her uncomfortable. Take a step back.

If you walk into a cinema or theater that isn’t crowded, leave an extra seat between you and the next person. However, it is alright to sit next to someone if the room is crowded.

Often in situations of extreme eagerness to communicate with another boundaries are crossed. Avoid leaning over someone else’s shoulder to read something unless invited. It is probably done in a harmless way Yet it almost amounts to taking another for granted.

It is truly bad manners to go through anyone else’s personal belongings. Never do so! And never encourage such kind of behaviour in children or adults.
Many years ago I remember an incident where one of our family friend’s young daughter had picked up a habit of checking out handbags of their guests in front of them even as they were all together sitting, engaged in a conversation. Often it is necesssary for parents to stop their children right then and there instead of encouraging it by saying my child is simply curious and loves to play with new bags . It was a difficult situation to handle as no one would like it if someone went through their handbags even if it was a child.

Check if you can take your pets along while visiting friends houses. While you may see no reason to… it is prudent to do so as…your pets are pets only for you! It is necessary to remember not everyone is a pet owner and all do not feel likewise or can tolerate every thinģ in the name of pets.
Your pet and its care is truly your own buisness.

It is wrong to cut in front of people in line.Patience is a great virtue. Respect queues. Respect system. Respect space.

Savvy