I've noticed that some people, when talking to other people, tend to go right up to that other person's nose. It gets to the point where you have to keep stepping backwards from the other person and you find the two of us walking in circles as he or she steps closer to you and you continually step away! Why do some people need to be so close to someone when having a conversation?
2007-11-22 02:43:47 · 13 answers · asked by arielena_123 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
To jason...you are not interpreting my question correctly. I know in some cultures people are more "intimate". I actually really enjoy this people. I'm not referring to those people. I'm referring to people who invade other people's personal space and they don't do this in a "casual acquaintance-like" fashion.
2007-11-22 02:55:24 · update #1
i am with most of your answers, i dislike people to do that to me, but i have tried an approach that worked for me. when ever someone gets in my face in general conversation(not argue), i step in a bit closer to them and ask if they can hear me now. i get right in their face. so far, it has worked like a dream.
2007-11-22 02:56:00 · answer #1 · answered by ribuckeye 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Americans tend to want more space from one another. But when in Latin American countries, I've noticed that two people talking are more intimate without being offensive. One person may casually place a hand on the other's shoulder . I am an American, and anyone closer than an elbow length away makes me uncomfortable, but I do understand, when in another country, that culture does not behave the same.
2007-11-22 10:49:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ah the curse of the close talker...I think they missed that day of kindergarten when the teacher spoke about this.
If am cornered by a close talker I generally walk a distance away and lean on a object or fold my arms in front of me. That seems to send a non verbal HINT that I need space.
2007-11-22 13:04:15 · answer #3 · answered by yeah , yeah whatever 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is about personal space and boundaries. For most of us, our personal space is about 3 feet all around us That's about how close we are comfortable being from strangers. This changes in context (like a crowded bus - it has to get smaller, and an empty beach - it's much larger).
Some folks either don't have that "boundary mechanism" built in, it's mis-wired, or they are actually trying to invade your space and make you feel uncomfortable.
I have a friend of over 20 years who has very little sense of boundary both in a physical space sense as well as mental-communication issues - meaning what he brings up in discussion and information he requests from me. With him, I have had to "train" him on what is and isn't appropriate behavior with me - and sometimes I till have to tell him he's too much in my face - after the years of knowing each other he just backs right off. WIth strangers who do that, I just tell them they're getting to close, and if they don't back off, I simply remove myself from the situation.
2007-11-22 10:58:51 · answer #4 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
first, to not intimidate them, give them a chance and let them know that you want your space. step back and say you are clauserphobic. or just step back and say (in a joking yet serious tone) i'm one of those people who need personal space. if then come close to you again, tell them to step back. remember. you have the rights to have how ever much personal space you need. if that person is constantly invading you space, you can sue them.
2007-11-22 11:57:48 · answer #5 · answered by yejin 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It all comes down to differences of culture. In Latin America people tend to act like this some how, usually if they know the other person real well or are friends. My understanding, being latin myself, it's just a way of expressing sympathy or friendship. It's good....as long as you like this person.
2007-11-22 11:07:18 · answer #6 · answered by AC 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Arms length away for strangers and aquintances.
One to two feet for family and friends.
Closer for your intimates. LOL
Cheers
2007-11-22 13:18:41 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs. Rhonda Rabbit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything closer than arms length is too close... I have no clue as to why some people are "close talkers".
2007-11-22 10:47:25 · answer #8 · answered by GUARD DOG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know!! I HATE it when people do that to me!! I always politely tell them to back off some. It's one of the MANY pet peeves of mine.
2007-11-22 10:47:07 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Jenn♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They need or want to be in your personal space.
2007-11-22 10:49:45 · answer #10 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋