Latest news with #personalspace
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Personal space? Not in this household—how one mom learned to embrace her toddler's love (and elbows)
In a now-viral TikTok that's racked up over 1.4 million views, mom @abigail_stacey22 captures a scene many parents know all too well: she's sitting on a large, empty couch—except her toddler is fully on top of her. The video's caption? 'Personal space…I don't know her ' And judging by the comment section, she's far from alone. 'Every single time we should have been born with pouches like kangaroos,' @starks joked. Another mom, @michelle | wfh boy mama added, 'I swear if they could climb back into our bellies they would .' And @Veronica offered the theory many parents have quietly suspected: 'I really think they miss being inside of us. Like there's that little feeling in them that wants to go back.' These replies speak to something both hilariously universal and deeply emotional: the closeness toddlers crave—and the overwhelm parents often feel in response. Related: True life: Toddlers and 'personal space' don't mix When 'touched out' becomes the norm For toddlers, physical proximity is how they feel safe. According to experts, children often seek constant physical contact as a way to regulate emotions, feel protected, and explore their independence from a secure base. For parents, though, especially those juggling work, household responsibilities, and caregiving, that closeness can sometimes feel suffocating. The term 'touched out' describes the sensory overload that can happen when you've had too much physical contact, and it's a very real part of the parenting experience. Needing a break often means your nervous system is overloaded, not that anything is wrong with the bond you share. That's especially true in early motherhood, when someone is quite literally on you for most of the day (and night). Related: I miss having personal space Finding small resets when you're overwhelmed If you're feeling physically and emotionally drained by the closeness, you're not alone—and you're not a bad parent for needing space. A few ways to reset: Name what's happening. Saying out loud, 'I'm feeling touched out right now' can help normalize the experience for yourself and your family. Take micro-breaks. Even stepping outside for 2–3 minutes of fresh air can be enough to shift your energy. Use transition objects. Offer a special pillow or stuffed animal your toddler can cuddle with next to you, instead of always being on you. Involve your partner or support network. Ask for 20 minutes alone in the bedroom or bathroom while someone else holds down the fort. Breathe into the moment. Sometimes, just recognizing this closeness as temporary can soften the edges of the frustration. This is the phase that fills your heart—and your lap Toddlers have no concept of boundaries—and yet, as many seasoned parents will tell you, they soon learn. And when they do, it can be startling how quickly the clinginess gives way to independence. The same couch that once felt crowded with toddler limbs will one day be too empty. That's why videos like @abigail_stacey22's hit so hard. They show the beauty in the mess. The absurdity of having a perfectly good sofa, but becoming the designated seat anyway. And the unspoken truth that many of us are quietly holding onto: these overwhelming moments are also the ones we'll miss the most. So yes—personal space might be a distant memory right now. But in this season of elbows, clingy hugs, and sticky fingers, there's also unmatched closeness. And a love that can't help but sit right on top of you. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman Is Called ‘Selfish' for Not Wanting to Share Her ‘Private Space' with Family She ‘Barely' Knows When They Visit
A woman wrote on Reddit that she co-owns a home with her mother and sister and recently found out that a cousin and her two young kids — whom she 'barely' knows — are coming to stay for the summer When she protested having to share her 'private space' in the basement with the kids, her mom called her 'selfish' 'I value my personal space and quiet. I also work night shifts, so when I come home in the morning to sleep, I don't want to be disturbed with any noise,' the Redditor wroteA woman is less than thrilled about the prospect of having to share her private space with two young relatives for the summer. The 29-year-old detailed her dilemma in a post on Reddit's popular "Am I the A------" forum, beginning by explaining that she co-owns her house with her mother and sister and that the basement is her "private" domain. The OP (original poster) said her mom recently informed her that a cousin from overseas — whom she "barely" knows — and her two young kids are coming to stay for the entire summer. The two kids will be sleeping in the spare room in the basement — much to the OP's chagrin. For context, she explained on Reddit that her basement space contains her bedroom, the spare room, a living room area and a bathroom. "I don't even know the names of my cousin's kids at all, and I value my personal space and quiet. I also work night shifts, so when I come home in the morning to sleep, I don't want to be disturbed with any noise," she wrote, sharing some of her concerns about the arrangement. However, when she protested the plan, her mother called her "selfish." Adding to the OP's frustrations, she had been looking forward to having the house completely to herself "for once" when her sometimes "overbearing" mom and sister leave for a 10-day cruise next month. When she raised this point with her mom, her response was, "Well, now you won't be home alone." "I told her she made this decision without considering me at all and that I don't plan to host or entertain anyone while they're gone," the OP wrote, describing a previous instance when a cousin visited and her mom "pressured" her into giving that family member money to shop. "I'm afraid that history will repeat itself, but 3x as much since she's bringing her kids too." The OP said that instead of enjoying an empty house by herself, she is now "seriously considering" decamping to a hotel for the 10 days her mom and sister will be away on their cruise "just to have peace." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "It feels like my space and comfort were completely disregarded, and I don't want to give up my personal space," she concluded her post, asking fellow Redditors, "AITA [am I the a------] in this situation?" In the comments, many readers shared the opinion that the OP's mother has no right to tell her she must give up her private space in a home she co-owns. "You're being treated as if you're an adult living in a home that only belongs to the parent(s). That's not the case here: you co-own the home. Your expected personal space is literally your space; you own it," one person wrote. "So you have every right to expect your usual private space to remain private, and especially to decide who will and won't be in the house with you when the other owner isn't there." Someone else chimed in, "Your mom ignoring that you co-own the place is wild. She can't just override your boundaries because it's convenient for her, especially when you work nights and need quiet." Many people advised the OP against the idea of retreating to a hotel, arguing that she shouldn't have to leave her own home and waste her money. "Why should you be the one who's on the hook for 10 days of hotel expenses AND be the one whose space gets invaded?" a Redditor asked. Several others told the OP this sticky situation might be a strong sign that she should consider getting a place of her own to avoid such conflicts in the future. "It might be better for your mother and sister to buy you out since they are treating you like you neither own nor pay rent. Take your share and get your own place," one commenter suggested. Read the original article on People
Independent Singapore
04-07-2025
- Independent Singapore
‘I was really uncomfortable': Singapore commuter says 'weird guy' kept leaning into her space on MRT
SINGAPORE: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a public space, but how would you feel if a stranger sat uncomfortably close and kept invading your personal space? One frustrated commuter who recently went through this shared her experience on Reddit on Wednesday (July 2). In her post on r/askSingapore, she described how a 'weird guy' sat next to her and repeatedly moved his left arm into her side of the seat. The commuter said she tried several times to signal that she was uncomfortable by shifting her body, gesturing at him, and even saying, 'Excuse me.' While the man initially seemed to get the message and responded with what looked like an apologetic gesture, it was not long before he started doing it again. She said it began to feel as though the man was deliberately trying to make physical contact. Despite making a disapproving 'tsk' sound to express her discomfort, he continued his behaviour. Hoping to avoid making a scene, she shifted slightly to create some space between them, but instead of backing off, the man leaned in yet again. 'He followed and moved closer to me as well,' she said. 'I was really uncomfortable but unsure what else I could've done in that moment. I eventually moved to another seat and the guy on his other side looked at him, he alighted at that station.' At the end of her post, the commuter asked other locals, 'Has anyone faced something similar before? What's the best way to handle such behaviour in public transport without escalating the situation too much?' 'If you're able to, say it loudly so that people around can notice it too, and hopefully they will stop.' In the comments, several Singaporeans who had faced similar situations shared how they responded when it happened to them. One person recalled experiencing something like this on a bus. At first, they gave the old man the benefit of the doubt, but when the behaviour continued, they called him out loudly so others around could hear. 'I exclaimed loudly 'UNCLE MOVE YOUR HAND',' she wrote. 'If you're able to, say it loudly so that people around can notice it too, and hopefully they will stop. Anything more serious, inform someone else and staff.' Another shared, 'Had this happen on the train as well. Empty space between me and the guy next to me. Kept slowly moving his hand closer to me across the seat (literally blocking the seat as well).' 'Like most here, don't want to cause unnecessary drama so kept quiet, until he moved it way closer suddenly, 1 cm away from touching me. That's when I loudly said 'hey!' And then the guy finally moved it away.' A third suggested, 'Take a pic of him and inform the station control. He may try these creepy moves on others who cannot say no.' Where to report harassment If someone harasses you on the train, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) Singapore advises pressing the Emergency Communication Button, which you'll find beside the train doors. This connects you to the train officer. Tell them what happened, and make sure to mention the carriage number. It's a four-digit number, usually found above the two-seater near where two train cars are joined. Read also: 'It's their money': SG dad invests all Baby Bonus & ang bao money for kids' future; aims to give children S$50K each at 25 Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Washington Post
21-06-2025
- General
- Washington Post
How to cope when you're sharing a home with your soon-to-be ex-spouse
I tidied my desk in the corner of the main bedroom, stacking colorful pads of Post-it notes and sorting pens into a mug that read 'Hello Happiness.' I imagined a fence around my tiny office space — electric, preferably — to keep out the person I once loved. When trapped with my soon-to-be-ex-spouse, the same four walls that once encased a happy family felt increasingly constraining.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I Decluttered These 10 Things After 45 — And Don't Regret a Single One
A lot of things have become harder since I hit the 45th birthday milestone. I may have celebrated this occasion with a martini-fueled evening involving dozens of people I know and love, but the reality of it all is that I've started to feel a lot older, more tired, and less tolerant of all the stressful things in life that keep coming up. And, to be honest, the walls in my tiny studio apartment have started to feel as if they are closing in on me. I tell my friends often that the key to feeling like you have a handle on things when life gets more complicated is something I like to call 'life administration.' This is multi-faceted, and it involves taking care of any paperwork, finances, and other personal affairs, as well as dealing with physical items that have accumulated throughout the years. I've discovered that the more of these things I remove from my life and my space, the more in control I feel about every aspect of that post-45 life. Here's everything I decluttered after turning 45. I've accrued an impressive (read: unnecessary, frustrating, and mildly ridiculous) amount of novelty shot glasses, mugs, and other glassware and cups. What may have felt, at the time, like a cute nostalgic souvenir from that tequila trip to Mexico has ended up never being used and taking up too much space. Since decluttering, I've downsized to a single set of wine glasses, martini glasses, and coffee mugs that I either use regularly for myself or for entertaining friends. I've gone to so many concerts and festivals over the years, from my favorite musicians to food festivals and fairs. Everything has resulted in tickets, wristbands, and lanyards that then litter tables and drawers — at one point I had a whole collection of backstage or media passes lining the coat hooks on my walls. But what purpose do they really serve in the long run other than taking up a ton of space? If anything is super important to you — maybe the concert ticket from your first date with someone you love — then you could put it in a photo album or memento box. But most of this stuff you can toss and not miss (and you can always just take a photo of it to maintain the memory!). All of my mementos, with a tiny sentimental fraction exception, are now out of my home. It's funny how I bemoan how little space and storage I have, and then waste that exact same space and storage keeping items that are long past their expiration dates. Vitamins, medicine, beauty and skin products, and, of course, pantry items such as spices and canned goods were all given the heave-ho after I turned 45 if they weren't still usable or effective. Why give anything space that is not serving you? That's a larger life message of adulthood if I've ever heard it. Every time I go through my drawers and piles that live on my desk, I'm shocked to find old mail and papers that simply don't serve my current life needs. Itineraries from trips that have long passed, takeout menus from restaurants that I no longer go to (or maybe don't even exist anymore!), random brochures and sales catalogs, and billing statements from items long ago paid (when all that info exists online anyway!). If it has any personal data, shred it — and toss the rest. Unexpected job hazard of being a food writer: You end up with a lot of pretty random kitchen tools. Some are super useful, while others … not so much. Many get used once, thrown in a junk drawer, and then forgotten about for years — until one day you open the drawer to clean it out and find a bunch of stuff you can't identify. Treat it as you treat your closet (more on that in a minute): If you aren't currently using it and can't identify it, then toss it or give it away. While I fully believe someone's trash is someone else's treasure, it's no use to you if you have no idea what it's even used for or why you have it in the first place. Once upon a time, I was a 25-year-old moving into her first apartment, and I thought that meant decor like pink leopard print pillows and shower curtains and polka-dotted towels and throw pillows. Super cute when you were a teenager five minutes ago, but not as cute when you are officially (gulp) AARP-eligible. I got rid of all that household decor that no longer serves who I am today, and now I have a bathroom and bedroom that has a whole lot more black in it (with a splash of pink, where it makes sense, for good, but tasteful, measure). There's nothing wrong with cheetah print or dots if that is what reflects your current style, but if you have the decor from three-versions-of-you-ago, it doesn't belong in modern-you's home. Over nearly two decades in my current apartment, I've amassed a whole lot of cords, cables, and chargers. Some of them are for phones and other tech I've long since sunsetted. So, if these cords and cables and adaptors don't actually work with or fit anything I'm currently using or own, why do I still have a giant tangled bag of them? No idea. But adult me decided it was time to get rid of everything that doesn't currently have a purpose. Much like obsolete cords and cables have no place in my home at this stage of my life, the same is true for instruction manuals and receipts from items I no longer have. I'll keep the receipts with my tax files if they were work-related and something I deducted and need to hold onto. But if it's the owner's manual for an air fryer that went to kitchen appliance heaven last year? Why am I holding onto that? Same thing for old fans, chargers, and everything else I don't currently need to flip through. (And, note, most of these manuals have digital versions anyway — even if they do happen to be for current products in your home!) I have one closet in this apartment, and that has to store everything. My clothes, coats, shoes — everything. I clearly don't have room for a whole lot of excess, and yet I discovered clothes in there that I stopped wearing years ago. Whether they're ripped, stained, damaged, or faded, or I simply outgrew them and they don't match my current style — if I'm not wearing them, why am I keeping them? Everything I haven't worn in the last year, I gave away. I like holding onto books, cookbooks, and albums that I still love and enjoy decades later. But there are also those I haven't listened to or read in forever that aren't where I am at this point in my life. And that's fine — make room for the things that are, for the current era of you. I gave all this stuff away, and I don't miss it. We Tested (and Rated!) All the Living Room Seating at Burrow to Determine the Best for Every Space and Need I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered We Tested (and Rated!) All the Sofas at Pottery Barn — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
