The term “personal space” generally refers to the physical distance between two people in a social, family, or work environment. You could 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. When another person intrudes into this bubble, one typically feels uncomfortable.
The amount of spacing a person considers appropriate in a particular social situation can depend on how formal or informal the situation is (e.g., work or friends), the relationships involved, personality, gender and culture. Edward Hall distinguished four typical types of interaction distances observed in Western societies: intimate distance (0-18 inches, e.g., spouses); personal distance (18-48 inches, e.g., distance between close friends), social distance (4-12 feet, e.g., personal business); and public distance meetings (12-25 or more feet, e.g., formal interactions like teaching). These specifications have been known to differ in Eastern cultures, particularly in places that are more densely populated, such as India. In such places, people tend to be more comfortable with other people being physically close to them. Further, physical spacing sends a message in social situation. Distancing oneself promotes control and maintains autonomy. Proximity promotes interpersonal communication and cooperative behaviour, smoothes interactions, and increases interpersonal liking.
Because each person’s preferences on personal space can be so different, it’s best to make sure of their preferences, especially if you might be ‘in their bubble.’ For example, it’s a good idea to ask someone if they’re okay with a hug before giving them one, or at least give them time to pull away as you’re about to give them that hug. It’s important to respect someone’s boundaries, whatever their reasons. It’s also important to politely but firmly inform people when they make you uncomfortable by invading your personal space, particularly in ways that are already culturally unacceptable. This might be especially difficult in Indian cultures, where the idea of personal space is all but foreign even if it is unofficially recognised.
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