Use of Space (Proxemics) and Touch (Haptics)

The concept of personal space and touch is a capricious one. It varies from region to region, from culture to culture, from person to person.

In response to the question, ‘What does it mean to have your personal space invaded?’, some people might immediately think about someone who entered the protective invisible ‘bubble’ that encapsulates them at any given time. This might include, but is not limited to, a conversant who speaks up front and personally in one’s face, a fellow student who has the choice of all the empty tables in the library and chooses to sit at the only one occupied, or a fellow elevator companion who, rather than facing the door as it closes, turns and faces the other occupants in the enclosed space. This conceptualization, however, puts primarily a physical spin on the interpretation of ‘personal space.’ Our personal space also includes sound. Think about the incessant cell phone talker who speaks endlessly while riding the bus, or the couple in the theater whose persistent conversation during the movie provokes ‘shhhhhhh’ from all directions. Is there also not space around our noses? Think about taking a transoceanic flight with a seat partner whose cologne or body odor is overwhelmingly unpleasant. Another person’s gaze behavior can also burst our personal bubbles. Consider the impoliteness of a person who stares at another because of some physical trait – whether that person be beautiful or physically challenged in some way.

There is also the notion of territoriality – laying claim to an area surrounding oneself – that comes with ‘personal space.’ The following story exemplifies just how dicey it can get (https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-central/201004/personal-space-how-violating-unspoken-rules-can-lead-chaos-least):

It was a Saturday morning, a rather busy time for shoppers and I was third in the checkout line. The lady in the front of our queue had taken her items out of her basket and placed them on the ‘conveyor belt.