Personal Space
Personal Space stood out to me because it is a funny concept yet one that holds true. Personal space is what makes people comfortable or uncomfortable in certain situations. One instance is in elevators. It is always very amusing to see how uncomfortable many people seem to get when they are all smooshed into one small confined place such as an elevator.
Another instance that came to my mind was the gender roles with personal space. Has anyone ever noticed when taking pictures of guys and their friends you have to tell them to get closer and act like they know each other? Haha This has happened many times in my life and it cracks me up every time. It is just funny how girls huddle together as close as possible but guys seem to stand very far away, until pushed together. This is another reference of gender roles with language.
I’ve noticed that being uncomfortable in crowded areas like an elevator can be a cultural thing. In some cultures, being smooshed together is completely normal and people have no problem with it—just look at the streets of Saigon or Beijing! I also think it’s funny that women tend to have a smaller space bubble than men do. Might it have to do with our male homophobic culture where it’s an insult to be called gay or perceived to be gay? In high school, I had a Middle Eastern friend who always stood a little too close for my comfort, but that was normal to her. Every time I stepped back, she stepped closer! I thought this was bizarre until I met her family and the all did it! It’s interesting to know that personal space really is partly socially constructed.
ReplyDeletePersonal space is a big issue for some people. Comfort levels are tested when getting in close to another person. You have to question what type of person you are encountering to be sure if certain behaviors or nonverbal communication is acceptable. Is it proper to reach out and touch this person if it appears they need comfort? Do you shake someone's hand after a first meeting or do you give them a hug? I have some issues with personal space, so this section was interesting to me as well.
ReplyDeleteBehaviors in a small space like an elevator is very interesting to observe. I have had friends that practically break down on a short elevator ride up a couple floor levels. I usually experience an increased heart rate and sweaty palms. But my discomfort is in the questioning level of safety and reliability of the elevator, not because there are others in my personal space.