Musings of a Mongolian woman: Personal Space

It is uncommon concept in Mongolia, to have a personal space (both physical and mental) and time. From the childhood, we live very close with our families. We share the rooms, toys, and even clothes. For example, I had to share my room and toys with my younger brother. I had to wear (in deficient times) some clothes descended from my uncles, which was very degrading, but our family had no other choice.


After several years of study abroad, I long for my personal space and quality time. In western culture, you are allowed to have that, but here at home, I am suffocating. I am nauseating from intrusion of my family members, friends, relatives, and even strangers into my life, my space, and my time. Is there any cure? I do not think that currently there is any cure, except to single out oneself from the people. Whenever, I try to single out myself into the symphony of loneliness, people see me as egocentric, inconsiderate of others, bizarre, unfriendly, and even rude. Isn’t it ironic? (Reminds me of a song “Ironic” by Alanis Morrissete) All I seek is little time and space, just to myself.

It is ironic that as a result to my search of “personal space” on Wikipedia, I find this passage “Personal space is highly variable. Those who live in a densely populated environment tend to have smaller personal space requirements. Thus, a resident of India may have a smaller personal space than someone who is home on the Mongolian steppe, both in regard to home and individual.” I guess they are trying to explain about the physical space between individuals and their habitat. However, what I am trying to say is that there is more to personal space than just physical aspects of it. I long for quiet quality time to read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or just be lazy, without any intrusion. Is it that much to ask?


Like the movie title “Free Willie,” I want to say FREE VICA! Keke

By Tuya, contributor of the Mongolianviews.com