The Space Between
Book
Skill

Respect Personal Space and Separation

Allow another person physical and emotional distance when they ask for it.

Before you use this with another personUse communication, repair, return, or contact only when it is lawful and the other person is willing. If a court order limits contact, location, or communication, follow it exactly. A coping or communication skill never creates permission to call, text, message, visit, follow, return, or use another person to pass a message.
What it is

Respecting personal space means allowing another person physical and emotional distance when they ask for it.

How to do it
Notice the request for space.
Stop pursuing the conversation.
Do not follow or block exits.
Do not continue through repeated texts or calls.
Do not use children, friends, relatives, or anyone else to keep the contact going.
Use your own coping skills.
Try It Now
Remember
Space is not something another person has to earn from you.
Want to understand this more deeply?

Chapter 7: Respect Boundaries

Read the story and teaching behind this skill, then come back here when you want to practice it.

Read chapter

Related Skills

Skill

Accept “No”

Recognize another person’s right to refuse, stop, change their mind, or choose differently.

Skill

Leave Safely Before Escalation

Create physical distance without threatening, controlling, or continuing the conflict.

Skill

Respect Legal Boundaries

Follow court orders and lawful restrictions exactly.