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Too Close

 Many of you know that Barre3 is a safe space for me.  I'm able to go and completely be myself.  It's a space that no one is calling my name and demanding of me.  It's a place where I can put all my To Do's on hold.  I can show up and be embraced for exactly who I am in that present moment.  I've expressed so many emotions in my barre3 space.  I've laughed, shared secrets, and cried to name just a few.  I rarely invite outsiders in.  Most of the friends that I have made inside those walls also call Barre3 their space.  I have to stop and acknowledge that I have made some of my closest friends within that space.  Women I normally would have never crossed paths with in daily life.  I truly and so thankful for the space.  The few friends that I have invited know me, and know me well.  It has always felt safe.  I've had people inquire about joining me and I've always said maybe in time. (Now, I can't stop anyone from coming.  It is a public space and everyone is welcome)  Those who know and respect me know that asking is the right path to take.  

Recently things have changed.  Things have gotten too close.  Someone who knew my love for Barre3 recently showed up to a class I was attending.  I was completely caught off guard and immediately went into shut down mode.  (This is supposed to be my safe space)  I didn't make a big deal about it but instead figured it was an isolated incident.  Fast forward a few weeks and this person is attending regularly and always during my classes.  I recently became bold and kindly asked that he stop.  I tried to thoughtfully explain that this is a safe space for me and one I want to continue to enjoy.  His response, Okay I wont renew.  In that moment I knew he wasn't just attending an occasional class but had become a member.  And a member for 6 months at that.  

I have so many mixed emotions.  I can't attend class anymore without constantly looking over my shoulder waiting to see if he walks in.  It's no longer feeling like a safe space, a place where I can let all my stress go and be myself.  Instead now I feel stress about doing something I love so much.  

Any and all advice is welcome.  I may have to take this up the chain, I just hate that people can't respect others and their personal space.  

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