I can provide some advice on how to handle a situation where someone is invading your personal space by standing or talking too close to you.
When someone is talking too close to you and it makes you uncomfortable, you have a few options on how to handle the situation:
Politely step back: You can take a subtle step back to create some distance between yourself and the other person. This nonverbal cue may indicate that they are standing too close without having to say anything explicitly.
Use nonverbal cues: If stepping back doesn't work or is not possible, you can use other nonverbal cues like maintaining eye contact, looking slightly to the side, or angling your body away. These cues can signal that you need more personal space.
Politely mention it: If you feel comfortable doing so, you can politely and respectfully address the situation. You might say something like, "I appreciate our conversation, but I prefer to have a little more personal space."
Redirect the conversation: Another approach is to subtly change the subject or move to a different location where there's more space. For example, you could say, "Let's grab some coffee over there, it's less crowded."
Create a barrier: If appropriate, you can hold an object (like a bag, book, or phone) in front of you, creating a physical barrier that discourages the other person from getting too close.
Remember that everyone has different comfort levels regarding personal space, so it's essential to communicate your boundaries politely and respectfully. Some individuals may not be aware that they are invading your space, and a gentle reminder can be enough to address the issue without causing any confrontation. If the person respects your boundaries, the conversation can continue comfortably. However, if they continue to invade your personal space despite your cues, it might be a sign of more significant boundary issues, and you may need to be more assertive in reinforcing your boundaries or removing yourself from the situation if necessary.