If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that when the day for my scan appointment at Luisades Private Hospital in Albuferia finally arrived, I swear this was the hottest day ever. Our car, at one point, registered an outside temperature of a mere 47 °C. (116.60°F) …
Of course, I was far too early for my 11:00 a.m. appointment, and upon arrival, I was informed that they were already running 30 minutes late. Oh, joy. I was starting a cold and I felt tickling in my nose and I stifled a sneeze. On a positive note, at least the waiting area enjoyed air-conditioning and was relatively empty,
I sat on one of the flimsy, moulded plastic, sweat-inducing chairs, carefully selecting the end seat of a row of eight. Chairs all bolted together. You probably know the configuration: if one person is a constant wriggler, it has a ripple effect down the line. Fortunately, there were only a couple of people waiting, and we were well spaced. To pass the time until my turn, I people-watched. Finally, I was the last person seated and enveloped by tiredness, I closed my eyes and started to relive memories of our recent family holiday...
KER-PLoNK!!!
I am almost catapulted from the seat due to the sheer force of gravity
What the … *#*? my eyes jolted open.
Hot, sweaty flesh rested against my bare arm. Euw… I inched my arm away. But there was still bodily contact thanks to the new arrival’s ample proportions. Ample proportions that made me look like a twig. Heat radiated from her body as she shifted in her seat, and my temperature began to rise.
I cast a quick glance along the row of empty seats. Why sit right on top of me? What to do? If I moved, it would be rude. Hmmm … a wicked thought.
I searched in my handbag for a prop. Then,
SNEEZED! A-CHOOOoooooo
A-CHOOOoooooo ….
A-CHOOOoooOOO!!!
Dramatically blew my nose. A performance that would have guaranteed my nomination for an Oscar.
Sure enough, 10 seconds later, she leapt to her feet, pretended to read a poster on a nearby noticeboard and then plonked herself down three chairs along.
How do you feel about people encroaching on your personal space and how do you deal with it?
Do pop over to Natalie’s blog for more weekend coffee share moments
Piglet in Portugal 
Oh, I’m a sit in the least occupied area type of person. I think some just don’t feel the invasion of personal space, they are fine touching? I’m too bristly, lol.
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Yep, we always try to choose the least occupiied area or the beach, cafe or wherever. I am a tactile person with hugs but only with friends and when appropriate.
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I shake my head every time someone does this. On our bus, there are lots of seats, why oh why does someone have to sit directly in front of or behind me??? Restaurants, the same thing, there are dozens of empty tables, go sit somewhere else!!!
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Hi Jackie. IT is strange. I don’t use public transport but I am bugged at restaurants when people sit on top of you when they have any number of tables to choose fom and then tut because there is not enough room to pull out their chair.
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Your solution is clever! I’d get up and move. I hope your appointment went well. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Thanks, Natalie. I My appointment … and the aftermath…well that’s another story LoL
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That is so rude that I don’t think there would have been anything wrong with you getting up and moving. I do like your solution better, though!
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Thanks, Trent. My solution did make me smile … but in a wicked way.
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A well-deserved wicked smile 😉
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Hahaha… nice.. I hate when people choose to sit right on top of you when there is an abundance of other seating.
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Hi Kathy, I am relieved to know it’s not just me.
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Well done on dealing with that situation, Carole! You had me chuckling here as I read your post.
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Terry, you couldn’t make it up. I still don’t understand the women’s logic. Fair enough if all the seats were taken but 7 empty seats? …
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Now that was clever! Made me chuckle.
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Hi Laurie, yep it works every time. I was so relieved she took the hint.
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That was a great creative way of dealing with it! I wonder why the person chose the seat right next to you to begin with? Maybes he was nervous and picked the seat by accident? I would have been uncomfortable too. I hope your appointment went well.
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I had my eyes closed and was drifting with memories so the first thing I knew about the selection was when I was nearly ejected out of my seat by the sheer force in which she plonked down next to me. LoL Some people have no concept of respecting personal space. My face must have been the eptimoy of grumpy when I looked up
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