Have you ever had someone stand so close to you that you could feel their breath on your face? And did you move back, only to find the other person move in closer? That was an invasion of your personal space!
• Personal space is the area around the physical self that a person considers his. Moving in too close or standing too far away can create discomfort. Be alert for signs that a person is uncomfortable with how close you are standing to him/her.
• In urban India and in most Western countries, an arm's length, or about 3 feet is an accepted norm.
• In some European countries like Italy and Spain and in most South American countries, people tend to stand much closer. In most Arab countries too personal space is less than the accepted Western norm. In Japan however, people prefer to stand further away.
Personal space is not only a 'personal' but often a cultural issue too. Respect it!
