When I was in Spanish class, my teacher was explaining one day about personal space in Mexican society. She called me up to the front of the class and said, and I'm paraphrasing here: "Here in America, our personal space is within about 2-3 feet," She then moved closer to me, about 1 foot from me and said "but in Mexican society, this is considered normal". Of course, my reaction was to back up about 3 feet to get more comfortable.

I love my personal space. I hate it when someone is in my personal space, especially if they're males(related or not), my anxiety goes through the roof.

I had a discussion with a friend about this topic and we had our own theory. It has to do with trust; The distance you want to keep strangers at (atleast) is where you are still able to see the whole body which should be about an arms length away. And you start to feel uncomfortable if you are unable to see movements of the other person and therefor can't react in time if the stranger wants to harm you; with increased trust, you are okay with them coming closer.

One of my coworkers, a very nice lady, tends to "invade" my personal space with up-close chatting. I'm backing up *constantly* and she still doesn't get that I think she's too close. She's a toucher, too ... I often pretend I 'm on the phone just to avoid conversing because she skeeves me out. Sad, because she is very kind, but too much is just too much.

@yordannydelvalle3301

2 жыл бұрын

Maybe she is a latina or something. If she brazilian , oh boy , they are not into personal space. The thing is some culture are more expressive and more touch oriented. In Puerto Rico , it is very normal to see people hugging , kissing each other cheek , grabbing hands. I was in private Puerto Rican school where American and Puerto Rican cohabited. I saw a diferrence bewteen the two. American tend more invidualistic, all about self responsability, jealous of their personal space and privacy , look like they are "colder " or "distant" than us. Latinos or Spanish Countries tends to be more "warmer" . American see us overbearing to some extent inferior while we see you as colder or somewhat rude or pridefu or distant l. Truth is there is nation that are way more distant than USA like German, Dutch, Russian, Scandinavian, Japanese and etc.

I'm not too big on personal space because I like to socialize. Although there are times when situations where it will get uncomfortable and I'll get defensive about it

That is the best witty retort I've seen in a looooong time.

I feel like this has happened a lot for me lately and it gets very annoying. The worst part is that I'm not the type of person to confront someone so I just awkwardly step away... But when they start following I finally knock some sense into 'em.

Some people have had past experiences with abuse so it's hard for them to get close to someone or want them close to them/in their personal space.

I think personal space is different depending on the situation. If I'm in a public swimming pool or a park and somebody gets within arms length of me that is WAAAYY too close. However, If I'm in a subway or at a concert, I can be in contact with people without feeling uncomfortable. I think it matters more whether it's appropriate within the context, than cultural background.

Best video yet. Ya know why it was posted on my birthday

I can relate to this story. I'm from a town of 100,000 inhabitants and I feel uncomfortable in the crammed subways of the 1M city I live in now. A friend of mine from a village of 3-4000 inhabitants felt crammed and uncomfortable walking down the main shopping street in my home town, despite having more than enough space to avoid bumping into anyone.

Personal space for me is when you are someone I don't know and you are close enough to me to be able to do something, without my immediate awareness. It is why you want to back off when someone gets too close, your brain goes into overtime trying to figure out what this person is doing and if they mean you harm or not. This requires you to be able to see them.

Yeah. it's really annoying when someone comes too close when there is too much area on the place you're at.

Woo! one of my suggestions got picked up. You made my day dnews, thank you.

Moving between Arizona, Texas, and Spain, the topic has caused some issues for me. Spanish culture is much more touchy and into your space, which could sometimes make me uncomfortable. On the other hand, I’ve had altercations with Texans openly freaking out and leaving or demanding I leave in a fit of anxiety because I was within 6 feet. Its worth being aware of these differences in culture to avoid issues

Anything closer than about 2 feet for strangers, 1 foot for close friends, freaks me out. And don't EVER go for my face. I used to get picked on in high school because I didn't like anyone/anything remotely near my face.

I'm used to strangers falling asleep on my shoulder when I ride the train. Personal space is something defined by context for me.

The average personal space for conversation is usually this: the distance that the taller person (longer reach) can with extended arms length be able to touch the other persons face. This is a measure for standing usually. Seating side by side is extended to the width of their chair (like on bus or train). This works for strangers and colleagues and not so close friends.

I suffer with anxiety so when people get close, I tend to recoil in a way. But how I do it, which I don't mean to, can sometimes make the other person feel like there was something about them that made me uncomfortable at a closer space. Like maybe they thought I smelt something horrible or something. I don't mean to do it. But I really love my personal space.

When I came back to civilian life after Army basic training I literally had to re-learn the concept of personal space.

I sit on their shoulders. Seriously though, 3.7m is pretty far. If there's a bench there, I'll say "Good day." and sit next to them. To me, personal space means I should be free to swing my elbows wildly. Roughly one cubit.

Oh my gosh, I was just thinking about this. I apparently have a large "bubble" because if someone is even close enough where I could bend and touch them (farther then arms length) I start to get uncomfortable. I have anxiety issues but I thought it was cool how there is a scientific reason for why mine is larger then say my brothers or another person.

There is a guy at school who does this all the time after school he is always in my personal space after school

I have an art teacher in my school and she is soooooo obsessed with personal space you won't believe how obsessed she is

Right now, in the city (I grew up in a farming community), I realize that I have to have a different understanding of space. I like about a foot and a half minimum and I become very uncomfortable and a little anxious when strangers come closer, but I try very hard to be civil about it. I'm a lot cooler now, though, about having my friends in my personal space. I actually like it when I didn't formerly.

hmmm learned something new from this about personal space.

All the area around the human can expand in some situation like when u have a gun or u r riding a fancy car, everything will be changed and u will feel like a king and everyone should give u a huge space

Yeah a few weeks ago was on transit some guy leaned his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes just shrugged my shoulder he got the message simple as that no violence no aggression

When he said try getting just a touch closer I leaned towards the computer screen. I have drama tomorrow, and none of us have bubbles, save the teacher and the techie kid Im in band with. We literally will get close enough to eachother that were like, practically on top of eachother.

I did this! It sparked a conversation about person punching my face not peripersonal space. :P

I had anxiety and minor depression at the start of my teens and I'm really sensitive to personal space. I feel tense and agitated if someone gets 'too close'. This even applies for my family in general. The only people I don't mind being close are my one best friend and sister. I just freak out with everyone else. My brother on the other hand doesn't seem to understand 'personal space' with anyone and it's really frustrating :/

My personal space varies on where I am. At schools and such I like at least one desk of space between me and everyone else. At the movie theatre I like one chair of space unless I know the person (at school I like one desk even if I know the person). If I'm walking in a crowded area I don't really have a personal space bubble and if I'm walking in a non-crowded area then I prefer a bit of space but I don't need a ton. But it also depends on the person.

I used to work in intellectual disability. Some of these guys are very social. When I went to work I would regularly get hugs from the people. In Auckland, there were a group of people,offering "free hugs". Some kind of group activity or something. Anyway, I was like, bring it on baby. I'll have a hug. I think because of my previous occupation those barriers are broken down. Either that or my whatchamacallit in my brain is stuffed.

What you said in the ending, yeah, that's me. I can't even stand my hand being above my nose, I freak out.

They did a video on that. Its something about how the brain is heavily adapted to socializing.

Really cool! Can you guys do one on stare? Like, when someone across the room is staring at you and you can feel it, even if you're not staring back?

I agree, I can be anxious about things, personal space included, but I can also shut it off/ignore it if I feel like it's important to, or if objecting would be more hassle than just letting it happen... I just pray they don't drool on me. =p

Cool man.

Thanks!!!!

There is also a big difference if you come straight at someone compared to if you are moving sideways towards them. You could stand next to someone and have your shoulder bump theirs without too much reaction but turn 90 degrees and this is extremely too close.

I'm American, and I've found that most of the Europeans that I've worked with have smaller bubbles and assume you do too. It kinda freaked me out at first, but I got better with it. (I was A LOT more shy back then... now I naturally still am but I can suppress it more. I necessary adaptation when working with customers.)

Tried staying closer. But I have a cold and got them sick. Thanks Dnews!

Dude, you are encroaching on my personal comment bubble space. :P

I find myself walking away from people in circles. They get too close, I back off, they get closer still, in this infinite cycle that ends when our conversation does. My personal space is more at leg's length than arm's length. By the way, I'm a city lass.

Thank you. My favorite part of my comment was when you complimented me through complimenting the content of my comment. Capishe?

I grew up in southern california, long beach/la area. Never really had any experience where I thought someone was entering my "personal space". Moved to a small town in TN and I feel my personal space violated almost every day.

That's what I was about to comment.

I live in Denmark. Especially the Selandia portion, where all the girls hug guys and all guys bro-hug. Me and many of my friends don't really have a "personal space" as we often spend lots of time close to each other, so I guess in Denmark the personal space kinda merges with the intimate space.

i have anxiety and get really uncomfortable and pissed off when people are close or touching me

Right now I live in a big high populated major city. Living and working downtown. The streets always have people and I'm constantly close enough to people to smell way more of then than I want. I work in an area so small that If 2 people are walking by the same area they brush up against each other. There really is almost no personal space area when it comes to the city.

I didn't know they had that video. And someone already answered that. thumbs up Rich H. comment so people stop answering me.

I don't really have a personal bubble. I don't know why but I am a very touchy feel-y person. I have always been like that and I probably always will be. The majority of the people that I know have grown used to it though.

I'm the same way. I have claustrophobia. If you want to avoid such situations, I would advise you to avoid public transportation altogether.

Nice. Still, there's a general sense of discomfort when someone stares at you that might have some interesting explanation.

I have social anxiety but I'm forced to take the crowded subway every day... I've learned to deal with it, because I know its not by intent..in most times. Whenever I'm not in a public transportation setting its about 1 meter for strangers and with close friends i dont really care

i am slowly learning how to predict who will be presenting based on the video title

does d news have a video about detecting lies thru body mechanics and stuff like that?thanks :)

They did, I cant remember which episode though

they alreadyy did it!

Oh god, I used to ride the bus into (and around) downtown Minneapolis to get into school every day. The worst thing in the world is the creeper guys who SIT DOWN NEXT TO YOU and then "slyly" check out what you're doing for a good 10 minutes and then try to find some reason to talk to you. Also, carrying a 3 foot sketch pad is somehow an open invitation for getting your personal space violated.

I don't like it when people talk an you feel their breath on your face. That's my personal space for everyone.

I automatically go into a freeze response. When someone comes in my personal space.

I defiantly think my "person space" differs form person to person

I LOL at that guy. Good answer

Totally agree, I purposely stand a bit further from the person in front of me just so I can have some moving space while I move. I don't need a stranger breathing down my neck. lol

My personal space is a bit odd shaped. In front of me it's within two to three feet. Behind me, it goes as far as it does to a wall. If I know someone is behind me, it freaks me out, no matter who it is.

Trace, sweet shirt!

Exactly...

Let the games begin.

I want every extrovert that thinks I'm being rude if I back away for them when they're to close to see this video... Respect others personal space, even if yours is more intimate than others!

I'm 5'10 and pretty bulky. The sizes of the desks at my high school are smaller than they were in middle school, including the chairs, and we actually sit next to each other. So if I want to write my arms have to go over the size of my desk. Frankly it's impossible to get personal space, and I apologize to the people sitting next to me. But there are just some things that make me go crazy, sweaty hands, languages other than English or French (I'm French), dogs barking, birds, slow computer.

When someone or something gets too close to my face, the roof of my mouth starts to itch unpleasantly. Also, being tapped on the shoulder, without fail, triggers a spurt of adrenaline, and often a defensive response such as throwing up my hands and snapping at them to stop touching me. Can anyone relate?

@gachamakelifemeaningful4227

2 жыл бұрын

Me it's happening with me,a so called friend of mine touches constantly and sits too close to me I avoid him I asked him a random question and then to answer he just touched me on my arms and my reflexes had an instant urge to slap him but ofcourse I didn't

Personal space is good if you don't want germs. But, for the sake of storage efficiency, try not to overemphasize it. Urban sprawling is expensive.

Actually, it is , because I don't have to worry about my personal space being invaded, nor do I have to worry about awkward looks, awkward silence, small talk, etc. :D

I almost want to go around giving people hugs now...

I WANT THAT SHIRT

I DON'T THINK YOU'RE KIDDING. THAT MUST BE WHY YOU HAVE TO SHOUT. -- Trace

is personal space larger depending on where you from or from which culture you come from? I think here in finland we have much larger personal space, i couldn't have a proper conversation with a french guy because he kept getting WAY too close all the time. The length of normal handshake distance is ok for me, but anything closer can only my girlfriend come :E

But do they post the 'best video yet' every day?

My personal bubble is twice as big now as when it was first 'formed'. Has science determined what it takes or how long it takes for this change to occur? For example, it took me about 6m to a yr after 1st noticing touching people can physically hurt me. (I have fybromyalgia.)

They've already made a video about that.

lol every time someone says back off i remember that little guy from birdman attorney at law. He did have some personal space problems :P

During rush hour in the Lpndon underground theres is not such thing as personal space, there are just gaps, if I can fit im getting in there!!! Sorry for my english as it's not my first language :)

Awesome! Do people with lighter colored eyes have more problems than people with darker colored eyes (besides the light effect difference)?

@apopuffkin1717

2 жыл бұрын

I have light eyes (green) and it is harder for me to see when it is sunny outside, I can't leave the house without sunglasses or I turn into Mr. Magoo and can barely open my eyes . I have heard similar complaints from friends/family with blue eyes as well.

@0SPACE0BAR0

2 жыл бұрын

@@apopuffkin1717 Very interesting!

@apopuffkin1717

2 жыл бұрын

@@0SPACE0BAR0 I should mention that I don't remember having this issue as a kid, only as an adult (but maybe I just wasn't as aware of it as a kid)

Dear DNews, Is it a good thing if you are oftenly getting scared?

They had one on staring a while back if I recall

I live in tokyo, move a touch closer? I would have to go around hugging people!

you should talk about the culture dance that happens when two people with two different ideas of personal space (because they grew up in different cultures) get together to talk... it looks funny. Also, do you accept people to stand closer to you if you are speaking a language that is associated with close contact? Like Spanish vs English (or Japanese).

I think they already did something like that. Try looking up their video on Sixth Sense, it's in there I think.

I used to have person space problems, but then I went to high school...

They have, if I'm not mistaken.

Exactly.. have they even seen the lower class trains in India?

i think, if i were to get any closer to people, i'd either be absorbed into them or vice versa.... yea

I'm not too picky with personal space tbh. Especially depending on the environment. I've never understood that part of humanity, "OMG YOU'RE EXISTING TOO CLOSE TO MY EXISTENCE I'M SCAAAARED!!!"

I got one friend who always gets to close to me, I don't think I can handle being to close to people. I have personal space issues

i think i have alot of personal space.. (esspecially in my room) but I dont seem to realise other peoples personal space and intrude often... .-.

I'm sure this also differs between extroverts and introverts. As an introvert, it would seem as though I have high anxiety [but I do not]. I just don't like to initiate conversation c:

"see if it starts a conversation" Read: "see if it causes someone to punch you in the face

Challenge accepted!

how wanna go in to bears personal space?