Here are the four distance measures most people use in communicating. For some p

Question

Here are the four distance measures most people use in communicating. For some people, there may be a variance -- often dictated by the space available in the location of the communication. But in general, here's what we tend to expect in communication:

Public space is often the largest amount of space between you and the speaker. Think of an auditorium where someone is making a speech or lecture or even bigger -- this is public space. Usually, 12-25 feet. And often determined by the size of the room as well as what is going on there.

When we think of social space (4-12 feet distance to the speaker), this is generally the distance between you and a speaker in a group, or possibly between you and a sales clerk in a store or customer at work. You can hear easily and this tends to be comfortable, but you’re not so close usually that you can touch the person with whom you are communicating.

Personal space (1-4 feet distance) is often described as the distance you might keep if you were shaking someone’s hand. This is usually characterized as the way you talk to family and friends.

Intimate space is for those you are closest with – less than a foot away and perhaps touching. A child you are comforting, a romantic partner, someone with whom you feel very comfortable – these scenarios tend to fall into this category.

Now, which ones are you OK with and what can disrupt that for you? What do you do if the space invader moves in too close? Do you use the nonverbal step-back only or do you say “please keep your distance.”
Explain in about 250 Words please.

Explanation / Answer

I am okay with all the four types of distance measures discussed in this question. The acceptance of each distance measure just depends on the situation. I do not mind the changes to the public space and the intimate space. Because I will be comfortable even if there are changes to it. But I will definitely go against the changes to the social space and personal space. The people need to maintain the required distance in these two avoid creating awkward and uncomfortable situations. If someone is invading this space then I would concentrate on getting out of that conversation or situation to make myself comfortable. The personal space is the most important space for me and I would definitely avoid people touching me when it is not required. That would make me agitated and might end up have a bad conversation with them before personal space increases. I feel confident when I am talking to people who respect privacy and I also make sure that they are comfortable talking to me. Usually, I will use non-verbal step back approach to avoid the privacy invasion but I will make sure that they realize that they are invading my space. I will show them that I am not comfrtable talking to them by neglecting their words and also by concentrating on other things around me. Soon after that I would ask for excuse and move to a different place. When the situation is bad and the invader is very aggressive then please excuse me approach would be the best option before it becomes any more uncomfortable. So it basically depends on the situation and the people I am dealig with.

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