I always lean away, but once tried staying put and it DIDN'T work. People like this don't seem to notice or care when when you don't get out of their way. One particular annoyance are the arms holding the spread-open newspaper infringing on both sides.
Originally Posted by Unimatrix One
Sometimes, when I "accidentally" bump them back, they get the message and withdraw back into their space (at which point I will then make efforts to stay in my space and not infringe on their comfort). When they do not, then I take it as an invitation to be equally thoughtless and I just sit however I want, in whatever way makes me comfortable, regardless of whether I am poking or bumping the other person.
Other than the satisfaction of 'getting revenge,' how does that solution make
you more comfortable than continuing to lean away? This would only increase the frequency of the poking and bumping that you are trying to avoid.