Can I Withdraw from Volunteering?
Hi everyone,
I find myself in a bit of a tricky situation. I’m currently in 6th form, and our 6th form leader asked for volunteers to help during an upcoming open evening. I agreed, despite not usually volunteering, because I was specifically asked.
However, there’s a classmate who makes me feel uncomfortable. He tends to stand way too close to me, touches my shoulders, and often walks so close that we accidentally brush against each other. He can be rude sometimes, but I’ve heard that he has a crush on me. Unfortunately, he noticed that I’ve signed up for a subject, which was posted on the Whiteboard, and he also decided to join. Now, he’s approaching me even more than usual and making a big deal out of the fact that we’ll be working together.
My concern is that we’ll be alone together for three hours, and I’m really uncomfortable with that. He tends to follow me around and always seems to be nearby, which makes me anxious. It might sound overly cautious, but I genuinely feel unsettled by the idea of being stuck with him for the evening.
I’d like to know if it’s possible to withdraw from volunteering without causing a scene. I’m hesitant to give a reason, as I know I’ll likely be questioned. Alternatively, is it feasible to switch to a different subject? My discomfort is growing, and while I understand that the simple solution might be to just unvolunteer, I worry about how that might look.
Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this! Sorry for the lengthy message.
It’s completely understandable to feel uncomfortable in this situation, and prioritizing your well-being is really important. You absolutely have the right to un-volunteer if you don’t feel safe or comfortable, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about that.
If you’re worried about how it might look, you can simply say that something has come up and you won’t be able to help anymore. You could also consider asking to switch to another role or subject that doesn’t involve being alone with him.
If you feel comfortable, you might also want to discuss your concerns with a teacher or a trusted adult at your school. They can offer support and may be able to help you find a solution without getting into too many specifics. Your safety and comfort should always come first, and it’s okay to advocate for yourself.