SPE:145----- Proxemics, Proxemics, Proxemics!

My personal space is very important to me. When I first moved into my house and picked my room I instantly knew how and where I wanted everything. With it being small, I tried to make every space count. I am also a very private person so I had to make sure that if someone is walking pass they see very standard room items (e.g., dresser, chair, desk), nothing too personal, like my bed. When I set up my room I put my bed on the wall that is on the same side as the door. Therefore, even if my door is open my bed is not be visible and if I am sleeping you will have to enter in order to see and find out. I placed my dresser on the opposite side of my dresser because I am very keen on things being positioned evenly. Not to mention, I am a female who loves looking in the mirror to perfect things. So waking up out of bed and having my dresser and mirror right in front of me is perfect. My nightstand, is directly next to bed and in front of the window because every time I walk in my room I sit my phone (or beverage if I have one) on the nightstand and then look out the window. In front of my nightstand and dresser, equally positioned between the two, is my puppy’s bed.  We both like to see each other when relaxing and so I make sure to put our beds in close distance, almost side-by-side. I also have things close together, not just because my room is small, but because it is comforting to me. When I’m in my room I feel that it is cozier with things being positioned together.  I love my room and having my own space. I consider it my own little private sanctuary. It is so comforting knowing I have that space to go home to.  

SPE:145----- Reflective Self!

As we are silent to the world are minds are screaming with thoughts and ideas and pure randomness, all racing each other to be at the front of the mind… A lot of times we fail to realize what signals and nonverbal messages we are giving off.

As I began to reflect upon myself I started to pay attention and focus on every little thing I did, why I did it, and then what/how others may have perceived it. And you know, surprisingly, I rethought some things. I said to myself, “wow, could I have come off as rude?”, “Oh, I wonder what they’re thinking now…” and such things like that… With that being said I honestly believe that I come across to others as intimidating (for the most part)…

A lot of times I am not seen speaking to people unless it is necessary, especially when I am walking, I have noticed that I keep a straight face. It is usually because I am thinking at a rapid rate, but ultimately because I am focused. When I am walking or even standing still there are so many thoughts that race through my mind; getting to my destination on time, what I have just done, what I have to do later, and such things like that. However, when I am spoken to I do speak and most times if I see someone I know I will speak first. I have noticed that when I am spoken to I keep it straight to the point. I do not feel the need to talk unless it is necessary when I am not around my close friends or family. Most times I am usually very comfortable and confident, but very cautious because I over analyze and over think things that I just decide that it is best to keep my mouth closed. And that can also make me come off as “stuck-up”. Along with the way I walk; the posture, the slight bounce, and straight face.

There is a way that I dress and overall carry myself, what I will and will not eat, what I will and will not do. I believe I leave the impression on people that I am “stuck-up” and overall intimidating, but to those who know me, strong. And I do think that I do well sending the nonverbal messages of being strong, which can also be intimidating (at times). & I do need some improvements with how I come off sometimes that make me seem stuck-up. I could actually try to maintain a more calm and friendly facial expression and I think that will definitely pull help pull together the rest of my nonverbal messages that I give off.