To me, space means all of the above and some more.. more than square feet or garden or lounging, i need PERSONAL space, private space, where i am me, there i no one crowding my thoughts of the physical space. And i have realised many dont even know what it is.. They dont understand. To them space is simple math- you have 400 sq ft, so what do you want more space for? You have space to store all your stuff, and work, what more do you need? you have a place to sleep, and relax, what more do you want?

Why dont they understand the need for SPACE.. the need for an environment where a person can feel at ease, where they can do what they want, a space that is all theirs, and NO SHARING…

Space is also about respecting your boundaries,
it is about knowing where to draw the line
it is about understanding what works and what doesn’t

it means trying to understand the other person, their life, and acting accordingly. No, I am not saying you need to adjust, compromise or walk on eggshells around people. I am just trying to say you need to understand that each one is an individual, and each one is different and respect their wishes.

DO NOT assume others think/act/behave the same way as you
DO NOT assume just cos you are ok to sleep on the floor when visiting someone, others are ok to do that as well
DO NOT assume that cos when growing up you did not have a space of your own, your kids will also be ok and expect them to be OK.

Few mins back, mom brought a cupcake holder and told me she had broken what she thought was an easter egg. It took me a few seconds to register what she said. And then when I did [ it was a hot chocolate bomb that I had picked up from a friend during Christmas], I was furious. I controlled myself and said, “you should have asked me what it was, and well now boil some milk, add it and enjoy” She replied she had eaten some of it and was enough…

A couple of months back, thanks to a friend, I got to savour this book called “A Space of Her Own: Personal Narratives of Twelve Women” [it is available for free on Audible]. It is all about women each story is different and yet similar. It is all about women, in power at home, getting abused at home, and their relationships. Some of the pieces shook me up, but overall I could relate to almost all of them.

I love trying new things, and being a food blogger there are brands that send me stuff to sample. Friends who bake also spoil me with goodies. And I always always share them with the folks at home… While they love and dig into it, sometimes not even leaving a piece or bite for me, they do not seem grateful nor do they thank me for giving them the opportunity to try such goodies. I have stopped expecting gratitude from them, but this disregard & nonchalant behavior gets to me. On a day when they are pushing all my buttons, I do make a comment, and then I walk away hurt & upset, but their behaviour doesn’t really change. Why this disregard for boundaries and spaces? I will never understand… .