This is actually a post from last year, but it becomes very relevant during the summer months when we flock to the beach in our droves. Looking for peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle that led up to our holidays.
You will have noticed that it is within the nature of humans to flock together.
This is never more evident than on a beach.
Find yourself a lovely spot on an empty beach and as sure as eggs are eggs, someone will sit next to you.
Right next to you.
Not just right next to you but so close that you feel like you need to include them in a round.
Beach, swimming pool, you name it. Someone will want to be in your space.
This comes from someone who loves people.
I love them but I just don’t want to feel their Piz Buin on mine.
Well today it’s not happening.
We are ready and no one is sharing our bangers on the beach.
Today we have set up such a large area that we have to shout to speak to each other.
Not only do we have space within our space (in the event of an emergency) but we are also hoping that people will stay away as we appear to be shouters.
And we are. Today.
Primarily because we can’t hear each other unless we shout.
Cause and effect!
So as I sit here eyeing people as they wander onto the beach, laden down with IKEA bags for life and surf boards, I wonder.
I wonder what makes people tick.
I include us in this.
Because people are generally quite odd.
Fantastically and interestingly odd, I hasten to add.
And I for one wouldn’t want them any other way.
Nor would I want to be any other way.
I’m odd too and I think it’s great.
But I’m hoping today that my oddness will make people stay away from me.
So if your IKEA bag comes anywhere near my space today, then you will inadvertently take the lead role in his blog post.
And I’m not having that.
It’s my blog!
Of course, we do the same as these people on our approach to the beach. I think we all do.
We look around.
There will be a period of looking around from all people in my party.
‘What about here?’ Will be mooted several times before a convenient spot is chosen.
We then spend five minutes questioning whether we have made the right decision.
Iron Man will make several attempts at pinpointing tide times and the course of the sun. We will then spend the next five minutes looking around again.
And then we will sit.
In a big space.
Or the biggest we can find. Away from your spot.
I guess that is where we may differ from some.
This is also particularly important because we are in Cornwall.
Cornwall tends not to enjoy the same temperatures as London and today is the first sunny day in ages.
There are also less people in Cornwall.
However, we know statistics have no bearing on seating choices.
Only last week when celebrating Iron Mans birthday at a favourite place with a pre-arranged spot in the grounds of a large country estate. (Blimey that sounds posh)!
It was a bit!
But we aren’t – as you know.
It was a special occasion.
I use the description of ‘large country estate’ to illustrate my point.
There couldn’t have been more lawn.
In fact It would have knocked Adam & Eve and their Garden of Eden into a tin hat.
But lo and behold, they came, they saw and they sat.
Directly alongside us.
It was so strange, it was unremarkable.
The most irritating thing being that they were in all the bloody photos.
Not sure what part of the self-awareness manual that one falls into.
Anyway talking of self-awareness.
They are here! The beach lot.
I figure if I can take a selfie and your tent is this close to my shoulder, it counts as TOO close.
If by erecting your tent, I fear that I’m going to end up in it. That is too close.
I don’t suppose either of these areas were any good?
No, thought not.
It’s taken 2 hours and 10 minutes for this to happen.
I feel a bit like David Attenborough conducting a documentary on human behaviour.
People are nothing if not predictable!
Me included!
Who is sharing your beach towel today?
Over and out.
Nicky
So funny! I have personal space issue too, don’t worry. The over the shoulder picture is amazing, how can they have been that close and thought it acceptable!! Unbelievable behaviour!
I don’t know Michelle. Like I say, we are all a bit odd! Thank you for commenting. Happy to see you here. Nicky
Oh, I totally love this post. It really made me laugh out loud! As you know, we have been on our own little beach holiday. Unfortunately, we were late arrivals to our first Beach Day at Hunstanton so we probably completely annoyed the families on all sides of us because we had to set up camp on the last postage stamp sized space. Honestly, if we could have camped further away from shouty, tattooed families with crispy baked nappy clad kids we would have. I promise we were left with no choice! However, if I ever see you on a beach I promise to give you a wide berth…Although, I may be brave and dare to approach for a cheeky little natter before we trot off to find our very own cordoned off area of paradise.
Never be late Jane! Especially when there is so much at stake. I feel myself coming out in a rash! You were brave. I should add that we were a bit crispy baked – it all got a bit exciting seeing the sun for the 3rd time! We all got burnt. You couldn’t make it up. That will teach me for being mean! You would of course be welcome to join me on my One Direction towel. Thanks for popping over.
Make it a Hugh Jackman Beach towel and you’re on!
I have to say – I don’t have this problem because husband and teen think that sand is from the Devil himself and who wants to get Devil crumbs in their nickers and socks!?
You made laugh though with your shoulder selfie 😉
Yes the sand is the worst thing!
That’s the downside Alex – finding sand in strange places for weeks after!
I love this post. I’m glad it’s not just me that thinks this. That tent was so close to you, do you think they were lonely or something? Lol.
I don’t know Ali. Spatial awareness perhaps?
Or maybe they thought I was!?
Ha! I love this post and couldn’t agree more – there’s nowt as queer as folk! It’s infuriating that people have to be so close, I hate people that sit so close on public transport too that I can feel what’s in their pockets. With MOH I rearrange his phone so it’s not in the way, but not sure I can do that with strangers, or I guess they’d no longer be strangers anyway!! Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo and people reading this – give us some space!!!
It’s funny isn’t it Stephanie – and you are right it does extend to public transport. Although living on the tube doesn’t extend to much in the way of personal space. There is obviously some kind of psychology in there. You made me laugh with the phone comment. Thanks for hosting.