Spaces

Each situation requires different distance to the other person.

Meaning

Distance
-cm (~\) -> very close intimate space \\ncm - cm (-\) -> intimate space\\ncm-.m (\-ft) -> personal space \\n m - .m (ft-ft) -> social space \\n>.m (>ft) -> public space

Explanation

When looking at space between people the rotation of the bodies towards each other plays a big role. We have no problem to stand next to someone that is cm (~\) away. However if the person faces us with the full body the we may start feeling uneasy.\\nThe 'intimate space' is reserved for people who are close to us such as your partner or family. We allow people we like and know well such as family or very good friends into this space. In the 'personal space' we interact with friends or colleagues e.g. at a party. In the 'social space' we communicate with people we have a neutral attitude towards for example sales man. In the 'public space' most people feel safest. E.g. This distance occurs when sitting in a lecture.

Categories

body
territorial