November 30th National Personal Space Day. However, if you’re like me, you’ve never heard of it either! But I’m here to wish you a happy National Personal Space Day anyway!

I just happened to hear about the day on the radio this morning, and I thought it was important to at least acknowledge it.

Click here to learn more about the day and its origins.

There are all types of people we’re going to encounter during our day and throughout our lives. It’s crucial that we understand that just because we ourselves feel one way, others may feel differently or even the exact opposite.

The first job I had to of college, I was a manager at a bookstore. The job was 90% customer service. I learned something very import throughout the course of that position. My boss at the time emphasized practicing the “platinum rule”, instead of the “golden rule.”

The golden rule, as you are most likely aware, is to “treat others the way you would like to be treated”. Now, in theory, that’s great. But that’s not actually the best way to to treat others.

In contrast, the platinum rule is to “treat others the way THEY want to be treated.”

First, we must recognize that what we want and how we feel is not universal. The true art of customer service is to identify what your customer wants. Or, in your personal life, what do your friends and family want? How do they feel? What will make them happy? How can you solve THEIR problem?

I definitely do not want to generalize, but in my daily experiences, I find this to be one of the concepts that a lot of extroverts don’t grasp.

Extroverts crave togetherness, socializing….. TALKING. (Shudder)

But not me. I enjoy silence. I enjoy my PERSONAL SPACE.

Do you?

Even though our lives are filled with loved ones, you have to take time for yourself! It doesn’t mean you love them less. It just means you need some time to be you!

And you should be you. Because you’re awesome.

So fix a cup of coffee or tea. Put on music. Just enjoy silence.

Keep in mind, this day is about others as well. So, recognize those in your life who may just need some space. Allow your loved ones to just be. Don’t be upset if your loved one just wants to take a walk or a drive. Understand that it’s not about you, and that it’s perfectly healthy for someone to want to be alone.

Wanting to be alone is ok.

Allowing someone to be alone is ok.

The bottom line: We have to understand that everyone in our lives has different wants and needs, and we need to respect those wants and needs. Moreover, it’s just as important for other to respect our own wants and needs.

Today and every day, remember to give yourself space, and allow others to have theirs. Happy National Personal Space Day!