It’s a tricky situation because, in an office setting, physical proximity and posture can easily be misinterpreted or, conversely, become a genuine boundary issue.
Why do we turn our backs? In nature, it is the ultimate vulnerability. To turn one’s back is to say, I do not fear you. Or, perhaps, I am trying to leave, but I want you to follow. this office worker keeps turning her ass towards me
: Be aware that personal space and non-verbal cues vary significantly between cultures; what feels like an invasion of space to you might be normal for her. 2. Take Initial Direct Action It’s a tricky situation because, in an office
Finally, embrace the awkward. Say, "Hey, I noticed you keep spinning your chair my way—do you need something?" Most likely, she will say, "Oh, sorry, my neck just hurts today." But sometimes... sometimes ... she will say, "Yeah, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a drink after the quarterly report." To turn one’s back is to say, I do not fear you
She swiveled back to her monitor. But she didn't lock her wheels. She
The next time she turns, stand up, walk past her desk, and say, "You know, you keep swinging that chair around. If you’re trying to face the sunlight, you might want to move two feet left." Make it a joke. If she laughs, you’ve got an office buddy. If she glares, you’ve got a nemesis. Win-win.
Sometimes, people orient themselves based on where the "action" is. If she is turning her back to you to face a manager’s office or a window, it’s purely functional. However, if she is standing near you and consistently turning away, it could be a subconscious way of "claiming" her personal space. By turning her back, she creates a private bubble to focus on her work, effectively using her body as a shield against distractions. 4. Navigating the "Deliberate" Theory