Someone kept standing too close in the minibus

Women's Agenda & Solidarity
1

This morning I experienced something on the minibus that keeps running through my mind. The guy behind me kept standing way too close to me, constantly saying “it’s really crowded.” At first, I thought it was because of the crowd, but sometimes it felt like an unnecessary pressure. I even questioned myself if I was being paranoid. What would you do in a situation like this?

2

I think he was doing it on purpose; that feeling of being pressured doesn’t come out of nowhere. It happened to me too—I stopped and flat-out said, “Don’t act like a cab driver,” and he backed off right away. They won’t get it unless you say something.

3

Was the minibus really full? Did you check your right and left, for example, was there really any space?

4

@uykuarasi it actually seemed full but it felt like there were gaps opening in between; still, let’s say I’m not totally sure.

5

@cokdaseyapma I can’t say it as bluntly as you do, but I think it’s intentional too. I believe everyone who gets on the minibus understands the situation with social distancing, so if they insist on doing it
 it’s strange :grimacing:

6

Keep the phone or bag in front of you, it already acts like a barrier. If they repeat it, just say ‘I’m uncomfortable, could you please step back a bit?’. Responding directly is the most effective way.

7

@benbisorayim not everyone can do what you’re saying. When the space is full, there’s someone on top of you, and it’s not easy to say this with stress. If we want a solution, we need different things in public transport.

8

By the way, the part where you say “did I just imagine this” struck me as strange. I think you should be asking yourself not whether it’s just your imagination, but if you felt uncomfortable or not. After all, everyone feels differently :grimacing:.

9

I would definitely feel suspicious. Such closeness isn’t natural at all.

10

Even when the minibus is full, people usually try to stay as far away as possible, at least those who don’t have bad intentions. It’s already strange if they’re not even using the distance that opens up in between. Did you notice that as you moved, it came to the same position too?