How to make people move out of your way?

[TomGray]

Hey, guys, I try to practice my dominance and power by not moving out of people's way because that's supplicatory and weak behavior. Problem is, I'm a very short guy (5'4'') and instead of looking in control and powerful, I appear rude and inconsiderate as I nearly collide with people. Especially in circumstances when there is plenty of empty space for both of us to move, I know that they expect ME to step aside and say excuse me.

Of course, I realize that it's socially unsavvy to always try to steamroll people because it's rude and that actually makes you look WEAKER. But I don't want to bend myself for people. What's the best way to do it?

 

[Ross]

Not looking at them seems to do the trick. I used to feel the same way; I'd be walking and I'd feel like I was on a crash course. Here's a few things that I've picked up:

- Walk less traveled routes. Pretty hard to run into people when you are walking where most people don't walk.
- Avoid running into them before getting right up close to them. I often walk dominantly in the middle of walkways, and whenever I saw a person starting to walk down I slowly veer to the side.

People who play chicken in the walkways are trying to assert that they are better. Most of the time, it comes off as them being insecure and weak. In order to still walk dominantly and avoid running into people, I've found this strategy to work:

- Don't look at others while walking. Keep your gaze above them so that you can still see them in your peripherals.
- Keep walking at the same speed and in the same manner.
- Have a slower walk than them. If they are walking faster and expending more effort, they will move.

Every time I've used this, people have moved out of my way. I typically only use it in situations where there are a lot of people and I don't have the time to dodge every single one of them. It becomes pretty automatic in judging which technique to use.

 

[trashKENNUT]

Just have a cool, commanding demeanor. IF people don't want to move, then you just half step and move the other way.

It's somewhat an inner game thing, but you already have power. and power is not trying to control everything. Not saying if you do but it's a statement.

Zac

 

[TomGray]

Thanks so much for the advice. And so timely! The tip on playing chicken helped: cool guys don't need to prove they can run over people. Thanks again!

 

[Knight]

I see Ross beat me to the point as always - keep your eyes above other people's heads and they will move. Walk slow and with big strides.