Bad breath Quote by Kopano Matlwa
““I do not know why people here have taken upon themselves the duty of making attempts at speaking to me. I work hard to keep the ‘don’t speak to me’ look on my face and yet it seems they read it as ‘please speak to me’….It really is very inconsiderate. Sometimes one just wants to be alone with one’s thoughts and not have to deal with bad breath and body odour so early in the morning.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, “Kopano Matlwa on privacy and personal space”, 2022
The speaker feels forced into unwanted social interaction, craving solitude and privacy, and finds others’ attempts intrusive and inconsiderate.
In simple terms: People sometimes just want to be left alone.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal boundaries and ask before engaging.
Themes
privacy
social interaction
personal space
Mood
frustrated
irritated
reflective
Type
advice
observational
personal.
When to use this quote
- morning commute
- office open-plan
- public transport
- social gatherings
Key Concepts
boundaries
introversion
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you signal your need for space without offending?
- When is it appropriate to intervene despite apparent discomfort?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone appreciates a direct “do not disturb” signal; some may misinterpret it.
