Personal Space varies from one culture to another. American personal space is considerably wider when compared to Latin Americans. If you are any closer than 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) to an American you are in most cases too close. Unless the person happens to be a naturalized American citizen from a Latin or Arabic country, personal space defends a radius of at least 30-40 or more centimeters.
One of the most annoying situations for an American is in a line when someone gets so close that they touch him or her. Another good example is at the checkout counter in a supermarket when the person next in line invades that 30-centimeter limit! For us Americans this invasion is very critical and uncomfortable. When this happens to me, like it does on occasion, I want to tell the person to back off! But, I control myself and ride it out.
If you are sitting in an airport (or airplane) next to an American, shoulder to shoulder, don't worry that the distance is less than the 30 cm. But, it would be best not to lean toward the person on the chair's armrest. If you do that they will feel you are infringing on their personal space and might get up and sit somewhere else nearby.
Photo: Personal Archives
When talking with someone face-to-face, a comfortable distance is about 30-40 centimeters or more. One should be careful touching an American. If you are a friend, then touching is normally acceptable and natural. If you are an acquaintance, it's better to avoid touching, with the exception of during an introduction (handshake or possibly a hug). If you are a total stranger, you just do not touch and you keep your distance outside of the 30-40 cm.
And you might want to use a breath mint just to be on the safe side!
And you might want to use a breath mint just to be on the safe side!
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