Steven Kaplan @ Fri Jun 08, 2007 2:24 pm wrote:
It doesn't have to be overtly "confrontational" at all. To a person you say this to it VERY easily might be perceived as personal rejection, ESPECIALLY if the individual has seen those you like close to you, and others up close to you. Wouldn't you perceive it as such given this scenerio ? "Please don't stand there" ? What are you saying to the person ? Regardless of reason you ARE rejecting them. Would you say that if a supermodel was close to you (assuming the supermodel was the opposite gender and you didn't have a spouse who'd chastise you for this?)
Fact is, Others have feelings, and often a person is around you for a reason. They might be gravitating towards you and your setup because they don't feel comfortable in other locations, and wish to be away from rowdy kids in a very crowded small area. They might truly be interested in what you do, and unless you have little concern regarding what to some might come across as blatant rudeness, a message construed as "get lost buddy" is how this easily will be interpretted.
And that is one of the biggest problems with society today. So many people are afraid to say ANYTHING that could be perceived as negative because it might hurt somebody's feelings or offend their sensibilities. And look where that has led us. Kids aren't held back in school because it might hurt their self esteem. That being an illiterate adult is going to hurt the rest of their lives doesn't matter, it's only their feelings that matter! Or we've got a Senate trying to find a way to allow 20 million illegal aliens to become citizens because it's now too mean and racist to enforce our current immigration laws the way virtually every other country in the world enforces theirs. We're a nation of feelings mongering wusses.
There is a big difference between "get the f*** away from my equipment" and "excuse me, please keep this area clear because I need it to work". If somebody is going to interpret them as equal, that's their issue, not mine. If you're old enough to drink, you're old enough to be able to handle being politely asked to move out of the way without being affected emotionally by it.