What is personal space? We often think of it as an invisible bubble of space surrounding us that others can’t enter without causing discomfort. Research shows, however, that we actually have bubbles of different sizes. Each of these bubbles applies to a different set of people.

The smallest zone, called intimate space, extends outward from our bodies 18 inches in every direction. Only family, pets and one’s closest friends may enter it. A mere acquaintance entering our intimate space makes us uncomfortable. Next is the bubble, called personal space, extending from 1.5 feet to 4 feet away. Friends and acquaintances can comfortably occupy this zone, especially during informal conversations. But strangers are forbidden. Extending from 4 to 12 feet away from us is social space. Here people feel comfortable conducting routine social interactions with new acquaintances or total strangers. Those are the average sizes of Americans’ personal bubbles, anyway. It is important to keep in mind that personal space varies depending on culture and context. Furthermore, there are significant individual differences. As we all know, cultural or individual differences in personal bubble diameters are all too often the cause of discomfort. How did these personal bubbles arise? According to research, we begin to develop our individual sense of personal space around age 3 or 4. The sizes of our bubbles are fixed by our teens. These bubbles are constructed and monitored by the brain region involved in fear.

Q22: What does research show about our personal space?
Q23: What happens if a mere acquaintance enters our intimate space?
Q24: Where do people feel comfortable interacting with new acquaintances or strangers?
Q25: When are the sizes of our bubbles fixed?