What do you do if someone leans across you to talk to someone on the other side of you?

Question

It happened at a dinner party I hosted. A man sitting on my left was leaning across me to talk to my friend on my right. He kept getting in my space and making me uncomfortable. He was too close. He was breathing in my face, causing me to lose my appetite. I kept scootting up to block his view. I hoped he would back down. He kept getting closer. Finally, he leaned behind the back of my chair and talked to my friend. Irritation! There were no other seats at the table. If this happens again, should I.....

1. Ask him to move away a little?
2. Ask him to change seats with someone?
3. Get up from my seat and eat my meal standing up?
4. Nothing. Let them talk behind my chair.

Help appreciated.

Answer 1

lol, what an inconsiderate moron. this would catch me off guard too, but i would say go for 1, even if you feel uncomfortable asking, & ask him to move AWAY!! Not in a mean or bitchy tone, just firm enough that he gets the hint. & you have to look people straight in the eye when they're in the wrong because somehow they "get it" better than if you quietly say it without eye contact. There's no excuse for this behavior in my opinion, even if he's drunk. this reminds me of one time at a bar when these drunk girlies just plopped themselves at my table of friends without even asking us! i was obviously voicing my frustration, & they were so dingy about it they didn't even notice. Rude people suck :-P

Answer 2

This happened to me too, I would like some answers. I got so paranoid that I was boring.

Why not offer to trade seats with him? That way you can say you can chat away and then you stand a chance of having someone on your other side while they chat away

Answer 3

I would ask him if he would like to change places with me so they can finish their conversation. That would be a clue that their cross conversation is not going unnoticed. Or just keep leaning forward until they talk behind you.

Answer 4

I would have cleared my throat (to get his and my friend's attention)... turned to him with a smile... and said in a soft (so as not to alert other guests) but firm voice,

"If you are having trouble conversing with my friend because of my presence between you, then by all means, let us change places. We shall both be much more comfortable, I dare say."



.

Answer 5

I would accidently on purpose stab him with my fork. I would say "I'm sorry, I didn't expect you to be leaning into the path of my fork". Then I would ask if he wanted to switch seats so it wouldn't happen again.

Answer 6

Say very sweetly.........I'm sorry. I'm obviously in your way would if be more helpful to you if I got up and left??? I'd hate for my eating my meal to be an annoyance to you............

Kill'em with kindness and if that doesn't burp then take a deep breath and very gently and slowly blow it through your barely open lips into his face!!!!! (or you could burp, smile and say "Sorry, I didn't expect to find your face there!"

Answer 7

Generally, I lean back, or offer to change seats.

Answer 8

Farting is the cure. If you let a SBD go you can tell your friend, I think it's his breath and then tell him she has a gas problem. The two should quit talking and you you can eat you keishe in piece other than the smell.

Answer 9

LOL, that happened to me as well. ask them if he wants to switch seats. leaning over you to talk to someone else is pretty rude.

Answer 10

Spill your drink on em, and say out loud " oh be careful" and help by offering a napkin as you say " you should be more careful" and " if you'd like to talk to him/her that badly, I can move.