What is the etiquette of personal space?
Aida Blanda
2025-07-15 18:38:14
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There are unwritten rules for the distance people should remain from each other to maintain a level of personal and professional comfort. Personal space is represented by an imaginary circle around each person that contracts or expands in different circumstances. When talking to a friend or acquaintance, 2 to 4 feet is a comfortable distance, but on a packed plane or at a concert, people will generally tolerate sitting or standing shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers. Personal space is generally two to five feet. Public space is approximately 12 feet, social space is five to ten feet and intimate space is two feet. The closer you are to another, the nearer you can stand. Before you reach out to touch someone, consider how it will be received. A good rule of thumb is to remain eight to ten feet away from the next person to protect your privacy. One example is to take a step back, out of the invasive boundary of the other person. Holding a beverage in front of you is another way to keep someone at bay.
Katarina Hintz
2025-07-09 22:53:29
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Personal space differs from place to place based on tribal and religious influences. Generally, an arm’s length or a bit less is appropriate. Personal space tends to be less between members of the same gender, good friends and family. Between good friends and family members of the same sex, it is common to touch the hands, legs, and shoulders during conversations. Sometimes men hold hands while talking and talking. This tends to be the same between two women.
Jaylen Block
2025-06-27 09:25:17
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The English tend to keep about an 2-3 feet between them while speaking. Touching is usually kept to a minimum. Family members are more relaxed and familiar with each other, so touching of the arms, elbows, or hands is acceptable. However in a business environment, touching is very minimal and personal space is respected much more than in a family setting.
Meagan Zboncak
2025-06-27 04:40:44
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The term personal space generally refers to the physical distance between two people in a social, family, or work environment. Think of your personal space as the air between your body and an invisible shield, or bubble, you have formed around yourself for any relationship. The distance between you and your shield most likely varies from one person to another, depending on a variety of factors, including how well you know the person, your relationship to that person, and how much you trust him or her. The comfortable space between you and someone you know well will probably be much smaller than it would be if you barely knew the other person. With a stranger, it is even greater. Typically, people who live in crowded cities have smaller personal space preferences than those who live in wide-open spaces.
When someone leans away from you, you are probably in that person’s space that makes him or her uncomfortable. Stand at least 4 feet away from a person unless you know him or her well. If you walk into an auditorium or theater that isn’t crowded, leave an extra seat between you and the next person. However, it is acceptable to sit next to someone if the room is crowded. Observing boundaries in the office is important to maintaining professionalism. Be aware of company policies regarding relationships with coworkers. Don’t assume your relationship with a coworker or supervisor is personal.
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