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The space bubble
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Spatial boundaries form an essential part of relationships
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Space determines our intimate, personal, social and public zones
DO YOU know what your boundaries and limits are? Before you start wondering from which angle this question is raised - it is specifically about `proxemics' (from the word proximity) or, in layman's terms, `body space'.
Body space is the air bubble that we have subconsciously drawn around us when dealing with people and this space expands or contracts depending on the nature and intimacy of the interaction.
In the animal kingdom, thesenses are keenly developed to smell out boundaries or territorial limits. Animals become instantaneously alert to the consequences of crossing the line. Just like animals, people have their own territory or air space around them that is guarded vigilantly. We have our intimate, personal, social and public zones. The spatial boundary varies, depending on the culture, relationships and situations.
Minimum distance
Normally, we are comfortable when we maintain a minimum distance of 18 to 48 inches from others. This is our personal air bubble and it is also a fact that culturally this boundary could change. Only people with whom we are emotionally close are allowed inside the 18-inch radius. The more emotionally secure the relationship, the thinner the air space.
People raised and living in crowded conditions are comfortable standing close to someone while talking or doing business. In some cultures it is common to see two people of the same gender walking down the street holding hands or their arms casually draped over each other's shoulder. This would be totally misunderstood by people from other cultures.
Here is a list of what is universally acceptable when it comes to body spaces.
Intimate Zone: The distance is between 6 to 8 inches and reserved mainly for close family members and friends. This is a crucial comfort zone because everyone guards this space as his or her right. This is also the space that makes us intuitively aware of another's presence, even with eyes closed. In a business environment, do not cross over to this zone. It would be a major business blunder.
Personal Zone: This is between 18 to 48 inches. This is the distance we normally maintain at friendly gatherings, office parties, social functions, and also in the business arena with our colleagues and team-mates.
Social Zone: This is between 4 to 12 feet. This is the comfortable distance we like to maintain with strangers. There are two situations where this distance is maintained in business. When a new employee joins, this is where they start. This is also part of the reason why a newcomer feels alone and `not with the in crowd yet'. Slowly you allow them to move into your personal zone as you get to know him or her. This is also the zone maintained with someone whom you respect, or in a high position.
Public Zone: This is over 12 feet. When you are addressing a large group of people, this is our comfort zone. Anything closer you feel physically vulnerable. In the business environment, maintaining the 18 to 48 inches is very advantageous because it allows you to understand a lot more about the other person by observing their body language, eyes and facial expressions. This is more a true indicator of someone's intentions and thoughts and not just words.
Start observing the little `space dance' that people engage in. Looking at that you can pretty much guess the level of comfort, intimacy and informality of that relationship!
CHITRA S. DANGER
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