It's an animal story because folk be actin like animals
The story
So, this is simple: Personal Space.
Aight man, tldr time: I grew up in a violent environment, sickeningly violent and depraved. I wear scars on my flesh from such things. I have flashbacks constantly, I get nervous, stuff like that. That isn't the issue here- that's dealt with separately.
One of the things however, is I'm a stiff dude. I'm alert, 24/7. I don't hug but won't refuse one, I prefer to take a hand or arm. What I always ask though: Don't touch me. Now, if it's a simple pat on the shoulder or back, or especially if the person doesn't know of my yk, dislike of being touched, I let it slide. I'm not losing my shit. But yknow, I hate hate HATE when people take my request as a challenge. I have bodied motherfuckers for less, man, come on.
My pals will grab me by the neck, or yk roughhouse. Only when I return that with genuine pain do they understand oh shit, maybe I should actually listen. Why the fuck does it need to get like that? I am not a fucking beast in a cage to be handled and prodded for amusement. Fuck sakes. I carry years of traumatic anger and rage inside, and I've done so well to control it, and people know this, yk, my friends and family KNOW. They don't care or respect me.
I'm a quiet dude. I avoid confrontation. I'm soft spoken, I'm peaceful. I have seen so many reasons to live in tranquility bro, and they know this shit, and yet they don't care. Let me ask you sum: If someone as a joke double hands your neck- no matter who- the fuck you doin? Probably not being super tolerant as I have been. And then, yk, a couple times I have literally exploded, and I hate that, but yk, someone triggers me and I'm instantly in defense mode, and suddenly I'm an asshole for drawing a line?? No, go fuck yourself. I don't push people, I don't touch anyone AT ALL unless I have permission, and I'm not one to play fight or anything. I. Keep. To myself. Why is this so hard? yeah yeah I know choose better friends- but no, not really, because this is an issue with almost anyone I meet. I get it's not always malicious in fact maybe it's almost never- but I don't care. Like fuck bro, fuck, just keep your fuckin hands to yourself. Rant over.
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Points of view
Man, I totally get where you're coming from. Personal space is sacred and some folks just don't seem to get it until you practically scream it into their face. Reminds me of a time when my buddy thought it'd be hilarious to sneak up and bear hug me from behind... I nearly decked him out of pure reflex! 😲 People need to respect boundaries without having it drawn in literal red lines. Pisses me off that you gotta go through this; like, can't people just chill and not push buttons they know shouldn't be pressed? Especially when you've made it clear more than once. Hope things get better for ya soon bro'…
yo, why dont u just straight up tell ur friends its not cool? like, in their face?
It seems to me you're taking this too seriously. People often mean no harm when they touch others casually. You could try explaining your feelings calmly rather than resorting to anger so quickly. Your friends are unlikely to change if they perceive it as an overreaction.
wow dude I totally get what you're saying here. similar thing happened to me once and it's such a violation of personal space it really ticks me off too, ugh
man, i totally feel you on this one; it's crazy how some people don't respect boundaries. like, personal space isn't just a suggestion, y'know? you've laid it out clearly for them and they still push it... maybe it's that thing where some folks think they're being friendly or funny by crossing lines but seriously, if you've been straightforward about your limits, there's no excuse. boundaries are key to respectful relationships and if someone can't grasp that, it shows a lack of consideration on their part 🧐
dude, totally get why you're frustrated. seems like people think of personal space as optional instead of mandatory; smh. maybe it's a blind spot for some folks when it comes down to understanding your past, yk? flashing someone the warning lights should be enough without words... it sucks always having to jump straight to it ya know?? kinda blows that even fam and close pals struggle with this concept. people need to realize it's not about being antisocial or anything but respecting someone's boundaries is basic respect; hope you find others who understand better. 👍
man i get it but honestly like sometimes ppl just forget boundaries maybe say again more clear so they remember and not be mad
It's really messed up that folks can't just respect your boundaries when you've clearly set them. People should be more tuned into what their friends need, especially if they know about your past experiences. You shouldn't have to resort to physical defense for them to take you seriously. It's almost like they think it's a game and don't realize the impact it has on your mental peace. What do you think would actually make them get it without things escalating? Seems like there ought to be a less exhausting way for you to make this clear...
Dude, I swear some people have zero chill when it comes to respecting personal space. Like, what part of "don't touch me" do they not understand? It's like they think you're a challenge or something. My cousin used to mess with my hair as a joke until I snapped one day and yelled at her in front of everyone; since then, she’s backed off. Why does it always have to reach that point before folks finally get it? It sucks you gotta deal with this regularly. Seriously hope your circle starts taking you seriously soon...
Man, I totally feel you. It's frustrating when people treat respecting boundaries like it's optional. Your personal space is just that: *personal*. People sometimes act like they're in some kind of never-ending prank show or somethin', amirite? 🤨 It seems like no matter how many times you explain it, there's always someone who thinks they can push the limits; maybe they think they're helping lighten the mood or something, but nahhh... We all have our comfort zones and history shapes that; you're doing your best to keep things cool, and it's not fair for others to jeopardize that peace. Here's hoping more folks get a clue soon!!!
I get the frustration, man. It's bizarre that some people act like respecting boundaries is a herculean task or something!!! Personal space should be a universal understanding, no rocket science required... Just basic respect! This reminds me of when my cousin used to constantly poke at me despite knowing how much I hated it. Eventually had to give the dude a taste of his own medicine before he realized it's not fun being on the receiving end 🙄. Anyway, it's wild that you've explained this multiple times and they still don't get it... Why do people have a knack for poking bears?
That sounds frustrating.
Sometimes these issues seem blown out of proportion. Are you sure they're aware of how much this affects you? A little communication can go a long way in avoiding conflict.
it's perplexing when boundaries aren't respected, especially after you've communicated them clearly. in many social dynamics, physical contact can be mistakenly seen as camaraderie or jest without realizing the underlying triggers it might provoke. your experience highlights a broader issue of understanding personal trauma and its effect on interactions. perhaps it's worth contemplating ways to convey your boundary not just with words but perhaps through shared experiences or storytelling that gently underscore your perspective. sometimes people need to see beyond their own lens to truly empathize and adjust behavior accordingly. here's hoping for more understanding and respect from those around you 🙌
I understand where you're coming from, but maybe the people around you don't realize the extent of how this impacts you emotionally. They might think it's all in good fun or part of camaraderie without knowing your background. Have you tried talking to them about it outside those heated moments?
Why do people get like that?
Absolutely agree! People need to respect others' boundaries all the time. I've had similar experiences where folks thought it was okay to invade my personal space till I spoke up firmly.
man, it's wild how people think they can just brush off clear boundaries like that; i mean, how hard is it to respect a simple request? seems like some folks are just wired to test limits and don't realize the weight of emotional baggage others might carry. honestly, it’s not even about being overly sensitive, it's literally common decency; respecting someone's space should be a no-brainer. can't believe you've gotta deal with this on the regular... pretty frustrating when liberties are mistaken for gestures of camaraderie. stay strong out there, dude!
Not everything's about you.
Why didn't you set clearer boundaries earlier? If this has been going on for years, isn't there some responsibility on your part to reinforce what you've repeatedly said and make sure it's taken seriously?
dude idk maybe stop expecting ppl to read ur mind or smthng... either way sounds harsh
yes man you got every right!!! nobody should have to deal with unwanted touches literally had a friend same issue we solved it by talking upfront
"Keep your hands to yourself" is easier said than done sometimes; guess everyone needs reminders.