8 Ways to Discourage People from Approaching You in Public ...
By Lyndsie • 16 Comments
By Lyndsie • 16 Comments
Have you ever just wanted to enjoy a peaceful walk in the park, but random people keep interrupting your serene moment? Public spaces can sometimes feel like a magnetic forcefield drawing an assortment of strangers towards you. And, in 2024, as everything gets busier and everyone seems even more social, there’s an even higher chance you'll run into someone eager to chat when you least expect it. The power of personal space shouldn't be underestimated! After all, everyone needs a bit of alone time without someone popping up out of nowhere.
I've personally been there, trundling to my favorite coffee shop, only to have my favorite spot hijacked by a long-lost high school acquaintance who can talk for hours about their fantasy football league (seriously, who cares?!). There's nothing like gently clutching your soy latte with a desperate need to escape. And don't even get me started on the unexpected company at the gym! You’re there to work on your "glutes of steel" (a chapter we'll dive into later, I promise) and not to exchange small talk while sweating bullets on the treadmill.
Body language is the key. From the way you walk to how you position a book in front of your face, subtle signals can make a world of difference. Some people swear by incorporating a little "RBF" (Resting Blank Face) for those "Do Not Disturb" vibes, but there are also way more sophisticated techniques that don't require you to frown your way through life. In our section on Be a Roadblock – Mastering the Art of Invisible Walls we’ll explore some jaw-dropping methods.
Earphones are another fabulous tool. Slipping on those noise-canceling bad boys, even without the music blasting, sends one clear message: "I'm in my own bubble, kindly back off!" We'll go into more detail on this in the Embrace the Earphone Magic section. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver in crowded settings.
Our ultimate goal here is simple yet robust – to explore strategies that can make your public interactions kind of like your social media filters – highly selective and ultimately rewarding. Whether it's adopting the "art of appearing busy" or understanding the nitty-gritty of invisible walls, our comprehensive guide covers it all.
So, if you crave your alone time as much as I do, stick around. We’re diving into some of the quirkiest and most effective ways to carve out your personal space amidst the hustle and bustle of public life. Welcome to the world where "me-time" in public is not just a dream, but a well-crafted reality!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?