Question

when talking to another person either stand very close within a foot or else maintain a distance of 3 feet. does your proximity affect the other person's conversation or other reactions to you? is there an ''ideal distance within which you are expected to approach a close friend? an acquaintance? or stranger? does violating the person's personal space of others disturb you? if so, why? you might precede this experiment by first establishing through observation the personal space or "buffer zones" that characterize certain people you know or people in particular situations. do older people like more space than those your age?

Answer 1

Proxemics or the concept of personal space was first studied by Edward T. Hall. It refers to a man's use of space and at what distance a person will feel comfortable in communicating. This concept however differs across cultures. There are different types of 'ideal distances', e.g.. -

Intimate distance which is around 18 inches apart id for lovers, children, pets and close family members.

From about 18 inches to 4 ft, it is used for friends, associates etc

From about 4 ft to 8 ft, it is the social distance which is ideal for strangers etc.

Personally, I do feel uncomfortable if my personal space gets violated. I like to maintain the ideal personal spaces for different groups of people. E.g.., if I am in the office, even though I might be friends with my colleagues, I still like to maintain a distance of around 4 ft.

The answer to whether older people like more personal space, has mixed answers. In one study it was found that, older people actually did not mind being in close proximity with people. But for many, who have physical ailments, problems with walking etc, might like more personal space, even larger than usual.