How big is your "Personal Space"?

I hate overcrowded trains and buses which is why I try to cycle everywhere that I possibly can. The odd occasion I can tolerate, but if it became a routine I would hate it. The worst bit is having to listen to their annoying conversations especially over the phone over the most pointless things, its like they have to use the phone because they cannot sit silently for a while.:confused:
 
About a meter radius, any closer than that and I start to get really uncomfortable. This can literally be anyone, family, friend or complete stranger. I absolutely detest being in crowded spaces but, when I have to, I've learned to grit my teeth and just tune out of what's going on around me. I really, really hate people getting close to me.
 
Depends on how I'm feeling at the time. Sometimes I get a little uncomfortable with even my nearest and dearest leaning up against me. Generally however, my personal space is fairly non existent - I tolerate people being close to me without really feeling aggrieved by it.

I'm a fairly tactile person anyway, so personal contact has no impact on me whatsoever.

However, from time to time, we all need a bit of space to ourselves. This for me though is the exception that makes the rule.
 
Is this something to do with 'flight or fight'??

Curious to know the angle here OP (don't let boring thread be boring).


What sort of data are you gathering? Did you want a radius in m?
 
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maccapacca said:
Think most of you need a trip on the circle line at peak times.
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That's why mine is now 10 miles - the daily grind of the Central Line day in day out year in year out gradually developed into a full blown anaphylactic response towards any strangers crossing the 10 miles threshold.
 
Think this must depend on culture..

For example when standing speaking to someone or a group in a circle...

1on1 - English people prefer to stay at least arms length away whereas Europeans tend to stand right in your face so you could elbow them.

In a group circle , English has a relatively big circumference with a well defined centre of at least 1.5m whereas you see European groups as just a bundle with no clear centre.

Very possibly an illustration of the English being reserved and Europeans being more open?
 
There's been a worldwide study on this, and as I recall the uk values were 5/6 feet, while most other countries were closer than this.
 
Totally depends on situation.

Strangers getting too close weirds me out though. Or people talking to you right in your face!
 
Good couple of feet. Not bothered by people, just their inability to stay out of my way. If I cant move freely I get very agitated.
 
For women (unless old/fat) I am not too concerned. But for men at least a 1m radius and any physical touches makes me look at the person like they are a pervert. On the train I get annoyed with people who don't move in their own space. If i am standing there and i move up because i don't want to snuggle next to some man for 30 mins. If the guy then moves up in to the space i just made and resumes the snuggle position then i have to actually push the person away or ask them what they are doing.

They then pretend like they don't realize that they are even touching me. Some people have no concept of personal space and enjoy touching people on the train etc. Have to watch out for those ones.
 
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Burnsy2023 said:
Depends on the person. A close friend can potentially get quite close. Some drunk who's just been sick over himself and wants a fight? About 4 foot at all times.
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Don't you mean at least 4 foot?

I can picture you like Michonne from the Walking Dead, but with two drunk guys chained to you instead of zombies :o
 
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