New Jersey Pet Peeve Of The Week – Personal Space

I think people in New Jersey have lost their way when it comes to personal space, and it's time we do something about it.

Do New Jersey Residents Respect Personal Space Anymore?

This past weekend, I went to Walmart, and something that’s been happening more frequently lately occurred again.

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I'm at the register, paying for my handful of items, and the person behind me starts piling her stuff on the belt. So far, no big deal.

But as my transaction is reaching the point where I'm about to pay, I notice the woman is hovering over me, and literally over my left shoulder.

Proper Etiquette At Check Out Lines

Not only do I feel uncomfortable about entering my PIN into the machine, but I'm also wondering if any of her kids have the flu.

Read More: NJ Pet Peeve Of The Week - Bad Driving Habits

I did a little research to find out whether there are etiquette rules for the checkout line and whether any of them cover this topic.

Even if your groceries have moved up the conveyor belt, give the person ahead of you some space to settle up (they need a little privacy to enter their PIN number!)..Southern Living

The experts seem to agree. You have to give the people on the line with you a little room. I'm not saying we have to go back to social distancing, but let's use some common sense.

The Southern Living etiquette experts use "some space" to describe the distance, and I take that to mean an arm's length. Hopefully, we can all agree on that.

Expert Advice on Personal Space

Some experts and many shoppers feel that 4 feet is the sweet spot. Now, that's further than an arm's distance, and that's fine with me.

I think the trick is to keep the other people in mind, and in New Jersey's case, not to be in such a rush. How much time are you saving anyway?