ive noticed that i almost always walk on the left side of whomever i am walking with. i am right handed. could the side one chooses to walk on simply be connected with handedness? if so, what psychological reasoning could be prescribed to one's walking on the "unexpected" side, were they to do so? what other reasoning may be connected with such a consistent affinity? simply habit? also, what reasoning might be connected with the choice by a pair of people walking together to walk closer to a wall as opposed to the open center of a hall? is this usually a mutual choice or is it controlled by one of the two individuals (the one closer to the wall who would draw the other toward, or the one toward the center who would push the other toward)? if the latter, what psychological reasoning could be connected with either individuals actions? furthermore, what reasoning might one person have for being the one walking closer to the wall as opposed to being the one toward the "outside"?
2007-03-26 05:53:26 · 6 answers · asked by ck 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
In the United States, people normally walk on the right side of a sidewalk or hallway by convention. If we encounter someone, it is considered courteous to pass to the right.
If two people are walking together, the one toward the middle of a narrow walkway will usually be the one to give way if they encounter someone walking from the opposite direction.
It sounds like you prefer the middle route. To me, that means that you prefer the perceived dominant position, because it is up to you to yield or not when you encounter someone coming from the opposite direction.
2007-04-01 06:36:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm left-handed, and I usually walk on the left of those I'm with.
I was in the Army for four years, and while in, you're taught to walk to the left of and one half step behind superior officers.
This is traced back to medieval times, where a Knight's footman would walk on the left while holding a shield to protect the Knight's exposed left flank.
I still do it to this day as a sign of respect and protection toward my girlfriend and others. If I walk on her right, I will actually drift into her lane as my body tries to revert to it's default position!
I'm also 6'5" and 300 lbs...so when we're going through a crowd, I typically walk in the front and have everyone else file in behind me. This just makes it easier to part the crowd.
However, I'm sure that the debate over why being big naturally gives me the right of way would be a great topic to explore!
2007-04-03 12:59:47 · answer #2 · answered by Jay Lew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like walking on others' left side, that way they can hold onto my right arm when they need support ( it's my stronger arm).
When in a large group, I tend to walk on the outside, never in the middle of a crowd, and if I can help it, never on the inside.When on the inside there is no place to go except against the building, I want freedom.
I want to have control of my movements, not have them designated by others.
When being helped, I want to put my arm on theirs, not have them hold my arm...I feel safer that way, and again like I have control.
2007-04-03 11:34:17 · answer #3 · answered by Boopsie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kinda long winded ya think?
I choose to walk with people on my left. I have been raised to take care of others. I'm right handed. In any suprise situation, I can use my left to clear, cover, and defend whomever is with me and then use my right hand for any offense.
2007-03-26 13:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you were protected and taught that. Are you the younger and did your mom and dad over protect you! habit?
Want to be dominat. Who knows but interesting!
2007-04-03 10:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by tennessee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u want protection may be u r youngest in ur family or ur parents are extra protective
2007-04-03 08:56:17 · answer #6 · answered by akash anand 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋