Other People

[Gs172003]

Does anybody else not like people right next to them? I won't get on a machine directly next to somebody at the gym and I won't sit close to somebody at the table. My therapist will sometimes ask to sit next to me on the couch and I'll let her but I don't like it. Anybody else that way?

 

[Casey_03]

I'm like that. For me, it's not out of fear that the person will do something harmful to me, it's just because their presence makes me hypervigilant and I can't relax. Whenever someone is next to me, even if it's a friend, I'm too focused on their movements and what they're doing to be able to relax. If it's a stranger, then it's ten times worse.

 

[Gs172003]

I'm like that. For me, it's not out of fear that the person will do something harmful to me, it's just...

Agreed

 

[digger]

Yep, same, puts me right on edge.

My therapist will sometimes ask to sit next to me on the couch and I'll let her but I don't like it

Is there a practical reason for letting her sit next to you? Have you told her you don't like it?

 

[Virtues]

I tried to answer you in the chat, but you left before I posted lol so I'll just copy and paste what I wrote there. I definitely am like that. In group I sit where there is an open chair between me and the people next to me. I think for me it is a "reaction time" thing. I need time to process all the stimuli around me, and if it's right up on me I don't have time to react if it should happen to change it's course and become a threat to me.

 

[Friday]

It depends who the person is.

 

[Flutterbee]

I'm like that with everyone except people I know really well and feel comfortable with. I think it's just my way of trying to feel safe and to keep my anxiety/hypervigilance under control.

 

[Naoru]

Yeah, I'm like this too. If I don't invite someone to sit next to me, I'm not okay with it. I always pick the spot where I can observe the room and the other people while keeping empty chairs between me and the next person, if possible. If I'm with people I'm more comfortable with, I still prefer to have space between us ....ya know, so I don't die inside if they were to try to touch me. ;)

 

[EveHarrington]

Yes, I'm the same.

 

[trying2movefwd]

I am right there with you. I never thought of it as a PTSD thing, but more of a claustrophobic type of thing. I hate people too close to me or behind me.

 

[NatBird]

Generally I don't mind as long as they don't touch me or come too close.
An accidental brush is okay but if they keep leaning into me (likely to happen on public transport which is why I avoid) or their foot keeps touching mine etc. then I get really anxious-aggitated.
I think it's less about the feeling of threat more about intrusion of space. That is a major stressor for me.

 

[Panda Bear]

I hug my T and I would like never in a million years allow him to set next to me. I would full on, freak out!!!!

I don't like people near me, and I always keep a fair distance. Always.