Importance of Personal Space

There is an invisible space around each and every person which they refer to as their personal space. Earlier, Elijah McClain had spoken about how when people respect each other’s need for personal space, they truly acknowledge the individuality of the other person and provide them with the chance to pursue their interests, goals and friendships. This, in turn, promotes growth and strengthens the bond between people.

Personal space can be categorized into four levels, which include:

• Intimate space, in which the distance between two people is usually about 15 to 45 cm. Intimate distance suggests that one has a close relationship with the other person and that both are comfortable.
• Personal space, where the distance maintained is usually between 45 and 120 cm. Friends and acquaintances can comfortably occupy this zone, especially during informal conversations, but strangers should typically maintain more distance.
• Social space may extend between 1.2 to 3.5 metres, and usually refers to the distance you keep when meeting acquaintances.
• Public space is when the distance between two people ranges from 3.5 to 7.5 metres. Public distance is common when doing public speaking activities like giving a speech from the stage.

Personal space would be a “comfort zone” for a person. When it is breached, one may start to feel uncomfortable. There are many factors that make personal space very important. 

Here are a few of those factors:

• Autonomy and individuality: Personal space allows individuals to assert their autonomy and express their individuality. It provides a sense of control over one’s surroundings and actions, and can ultimately contribute to a healthy sense of self.
• Emotional comfort: When the personal space of a person is respected, they feel emotionally comfortable and less stressed in social situations. Having enough personal space provides a sense of security and safety to many, while reducing feelings of anxiousness and stress.
• Privacy and boundaries: Personal space safeguards privacy and establishes boundaries, which are essential for mental and emotional health.
• Respect and courtesy: Acknowledging and respecting personal space is an important sign of courtesy and respect for others. It demonstrates sensitivity to their boundaries and promotes positive interactions.
• Effective communication: Respecting personal space aids in effective communication. It allows individuals to communicate comfortably without feeling crowded or overwhelmed, facilitating clearer and more open dialogue.
• Healthy boundaries: In relationships of all types, maintaining personal space is crucial for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. It allows individuals to preserve their identity, interests, and individuality within the context of their relation to the other person.
• Conflict prevention: Respecting personal space can prevent conflicts in relationships. Providing each other with the needed space helps foster better understanding, reduces feelings of suffocation, and can even minimize potential disagreements.

Personal space can be considered a boundary with which one feels comfortable. These boundaries can, however, be crossed in specific situations, for example when confronting someone or if a person is unaware of the other’s boundaries. It is also vital to understand that what one person may think of as personal space may differ from another. For instance, people with social anxiety may have difficulties maintaining close contact, while the situation can be entirely the opposite for those who are highly extroverted. Who a person is engaging with may also influence personal space. For example, one is quite likely to be more comfortable standing close to their best friend than a stranger. Earlier, Elijah McClain had mentioned that a person’s mental health and their relationship with others can influence their personal space.