8 Ways to Discourage People from Approaching You in Public ...

By Lyndsie

8 Ways to Discourage People from Approaching You in Public ...

Being approached in public can range between being mildly annoying, profoundly irritating, a bit suspicious, and outright threatening. Sometimes, you simply don't want to be bothered with small talk. You might be extremely socially awkward and nervous about talking to strangers. The person approaching you might be hitting on you, either subtly or overtly, but if it's uninvited and unwelcome, then you don't want to deal with that, either. The point is, there are lots of reasons why you might not want anyone to bother you when you're out – you might be reading or thinking or simply relaxing – and that's totally okay. Because people can be a little … persistent, let's say, here are a few techniques you can try.

Get notified about new quizzes like this.

1

Look Busy

keyboard, COULD, JUST., If you notice someone approaching you or someone starts a conversation out of nowhere, just make yourself look busy. Type up a text to a friend, scroll through your email, rifle through your bag. You can do this if someone isn't taking the hint that you don't want to talk, too, or it can hopefully work as a deterrent. Some guys just can't be deterred, though.

2

Keep Your Head down

furniture, room, meal, bed, You know how some people wait until they catch your eye as a sign to start talking, even when you're clearly only glancing up to see who's there or to check out your surroundings? That sucks. I actually really hate to tell anyone to keep their head down because it's so important to be aware of what's happening around you, but you can do it on the down low and rely on your peripheral vision as much as possible, just to avoid making clear eye contact.

3

No Eye Contact

person, profession, speech, Don't, look, Because, see, yeah, sometimes that's all an uncomfortable creeper needs. The thing is, I'm not at all trying to say that no one should ever approach anyone in public. I'm not saying a man can never sit down next to a woman without seeming like a potential rapist. I'm not saying that all women feel the need or have the desire to make themselves unapproachable. I'm saying that some people never like to be approached in public, or have moments when they want to be left alone, and they give up subtle but still pretty clear signs. End of rant – the point of that was that a clear lack of eye contact in one such sign, and it's also something most women have mastered whether they're sitting on a park bench or walking down the street.

4

Find the Perfect Position for Solitude

eyewear, person, vision care, eye glass accessory, glasses, This isn't always possible, but it's the perfect way to keep yourself to yourself when you don't want to be bothered. Find a spot that doesn't lend itself well to company, even if you wedge yourself in a corner or against a wall. Whatever works sometimes, you know?

UPD:

Even if it means propping open a book or fiddling with your phone, these acts can be your invisible barricades. Sometimes just the act of appearing deeply engrossed in something can send a clear message of "do not disturb." A set of headphones—even if they're not playing music—will often do the trick too. It's all about creating a personal bubble that looks too snug for others to pop. So, pop in those earbuds and let the world know you're tuned out to any intrusions.

5

Death Stare

person, singing, singer, profession, Oh, the death stare. The death stare is amazing. You probably have your own version of it, and that is awesome. Practice it in the mirror. Polish it until it is perfect. Aim it at those rude souls who don't take the hint and insistently infringe upon your solitude. Make sure you glare or scowl. Don't look away. Try not to blink. Leave the uncomfortable and unnerved.

Famous Quotes

Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.

Bruce Lee
6

Eating Something Really Messy

black, white, hair, photograph, black and white, It's extreme, absolutely, but it definitely works … unless the person approaching you is some weirdo who gets off on watching women eat messy foods. Then you're out of luck. For the most part, however, it does the trick – presumably because it ruins the illusion or something.

7

Sloppy Appearance

hair, facial hair, person, beard, This is extreme, too, and I'm not advocating it so much as simply mentioning it as a possible suggestion. It won't always work, either, and I do not think anyone should have to make themselves look sloppy or unkempt just to have some space.

8

Make Illogical Excuses to Go do Something else

person, wrestler, Sweating, like, pig,, Make obviously illogical excuses. They don't even need to be believable. I reserve this for the people who very obviously ignore the signs that I'm not really in the mood to chat with a stranger. My hope is that they will learn and perhaps think twice before they approach someone else who politely tries to get out of a conversation.

Do you have any techniques for keeping creepers and chatters at bay?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I'm using this for back to school purposes so that no one tries to talk to me

Not paranoid. I just want to do my thing. Im also introverted and don't enjoy talking to random new people, at all. It is not at all how I want to spend my time, and I don't like attention from strangers. I go to the gyms to workout because I love to workout.. alone. People interrupt and try to talk cause I'm pretty (sometimes, apparently) I'm not here to be a pretty girl for your attention, I'm here to better my physical abilities. I don't dress in leggings and tight shirts either, plus I haven't shaved my legs in 11 years- the attire helps a lot, but still I get a lot of attention. Like men asking me if I'm married repeatedly and then STILL asking me out after I've said yes I'm married. That's just disrespectful. I'm more looking for a way to keep men from constantly asking me out. Men who are 20-40 years older... I really don't want to be rude but I guess if they're rude first by asking me out after I've said I'm married I'll have to be the same? I've literally asked if my husband could join on dates sometimes too. That usually helps. Sorry for those of y'all that don't get that excuse. No problems when people are respectful, though.

Like, you should always be mindful of your surroundings p, but if you legitimately think everyone is out to get you or is going to harm you in some way, you should probably see a therapist, because that isn't healthy.

Having a chronic resting bitch face is godsent,I like being left alone,can't stand people,not a mean person I just got major trust issues and been hurt way too many times to count

I'd be honored to get any attention

never even thought about this before - is it really an issue for people?

Wait, I'm confused, why would you want to be anti social. It's good to be open and kind and welcoming to people. If you don't want to talk, just politely tell the person, is it really that hard?

If tried all and more, I've even asked them why they are talking to me, none of it works.

Related Topics

we arent friends anymore what if his parents dont like me negative body gestures how to show that you care three types of friendship how to not slap someone fake friends vs true friends why are people argumentative how to keep friendships alive bad experience with customer service

Popular Now