When someone intrudes on your personal space, don’t act impulsively. Take a breath. Stay calm. Decide how you want to respond. Sometimes you’ll opt to address the issue directly. If so, it’s most effective to express your needs with an even, non-accusatory or angry tone. You can set limits by talking to your family and friends, and conveying your needs with kindness can lead to more loving relationships. Speak up with others, and when you have an ongoing interaction with someone, it’s useful to set kind, firm limits — then show appreciation when the offender adheres to them. Alternatively, you can practice the Zen approach and let it be, or view the personal space intruder’s insensitivity with compassion, remembering they’re usually not doing it to you personally. When someone intrudes on your personal space, stick to the high road and try to remedy the problem using these tips. Avoid toxic situations, and avoid or minimize contact with those who don’t respect your needs.