I have a friend who stands WAY too close to me when speaking. So how much space should people be given?
2007-09-26 08:27:45 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I prefer an arms length for a stranger, an old friend 2 feet or a little closer is fine. However when someone steps inside that comfort zone I too have a problem. You can try backing away a bit, if that doesn't work and they follow possibly they have a hearing problem and are worried that if they talk to loud embarrassment will occur. Just something to think about.
2007-09-26 08:38:23 · answer #1 · answered by ishowtt4beads 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good to give at least 2 feet of space between you and the person you're talking to. If you get much closer,it can hint at intimacy and if you dont know the person very well,it can get uncomfortable. Obviously, the location is important. If you're in a confined space, the distance can be narrowed,but only to the degree that it's comfortable to both parties.
2007-09-26 15:33:54 · answer #2 · answered by phlada64 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An arm's length is the standard distance that should be between two people. I feel very uncomfortable if a person I don't know/like is standing any closer to me (given that we're not in a crowded elevator or something like that.) It would not be impolite to tell your friend that such closeness makes you feel uncomfortable, as long as you tell him/her tactfully and keep his/her feelings in mind.
2007-09-26 15:44:21 · answer #3 · answered by Avie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend should be paying more attention to your body language and notice your discomfort - some cultures are comfortable with less distance. A noisy environment is one override to this distance, because you have to be able to hear the conversation. Perhaps your friend is a little hard of hearing?
2007-09-26 15:38:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Arm length. Remember the 3 foot rule!
2007-09-26 15:30:02 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a worker that stands in my personal space. I don't know why she does. However it dosent bother me enough to say anything I just walk away from the area.
2007-09-26 15:37:26 · answer #6 · answered by krennao 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree with the arm length theory.
If they close in, just back up and hold your arm out while you say, "Ok friend, I listening but let's keep it at arm's length."
If this creep gets defensive and wonders what the problem is, just reply, "nothing, I don't need to be that close to your lips to hear you". go ahead, I'm listening.
2007-09-26 17:12:58 · answer #7 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An arm length
2007-09-26 15:30:08 · answer #8 · answered by Master C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to understand, everyone has there comfort bubble. I prefer to know they won't smell my breath and I cant smell theirs. Your friend just has a small bubble. I know people like that, I'ts a little hard to deal with but you can try and ignore it. It's just one of those things.
2007-09-26 15:33:00 · answer #9 · answered by OnedayI'mgonna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Each persons 'personal zone' is different. Mine is about 3 feet. Once someone steps inside that I get edgy.
2007-09-26 15:30:24 · answer #10 · answered by Pat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋