Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behaviour, communication, and social interaction.[1]
Proxemics remains a hidden component of interpersonal communication that is uncovered through observation and strongly influenced by culture. [2]
Over the years, I have met with confident people who approached to know my kind of a person when it comes to relating with one another.
A reserved individual who sits back, observe and relate with people on a scale I call “relationship scale”, you probably might not have heard of such.
For instance, the mode of interactions with family, colleagues, clients (I’m an entrepreneur who bakes yummy pastries by the way), neighbours, friends, strangers etc differs irrespective of the age.
Self-esteem goes a long way in this journey of life. When one is so confident, he/she remains unshaken. One respects all and remains contented with whatever he/she has.
That brings me back to the main topic “interpersonal distance”.
Interpersonal distance is relatively the distance(s) between people. It is sub-divided into four, namely: intimate space, personal space, social space and public space.
•Intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering.
• Personal distance for interactions among good friends and family.
• Social distance for interactions among acquaintances.
• Public distance used for public speaking.
PS: Space is the distance surrounding a person.
⁃Intimate distance (Personal space) Person distance
⁃ Social distance (Social space) Personal distance
⁃ Public distance (Public space)
Personal space is the distance from another person at which one feels comfortable when talking to or being next to that other person.
Tapping an individual either by shoulders or arms because you need to speak with/to him/her might be fine meanwhile it might be offensive to another individual (cultural differences).
Additional Text
Invasion on one’s personal space could be threatening and also cause stress.
The categories of interpersonal distances suggest ways for us to communicate and produce expectations of appropriate behavior.
Reference
0. Proxemics”. Dictionary.com. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
0. Hall, Edward T. (October 1963). “A System for the Notation of Proxemic Behavior”. American Anthropologist. 65 (5): 1003–1026. doi:10.1525/aa.1963.65.5.02a00020.
By Bethie Babalola
hollagrace02@gmail.com