Something About Your Comfort Zone...☺️

I've heard people saying "Gimme my Personal space" or " I need some Privacy" These statements made me curious about what exactly these terms stand for..?? I got to know that PROXEMICS is the study of personal space.
Moving forward let's just throw some light on our today's discussion about Personal Space and it's types. So let's begin..

 The term 'Personal Space' generally refers to the physical distance between two people in social, family or work environment. Think of your personal space as the air between your body and an invisible sheild or bubble you have formed around yourself for any relationship.

 Edward T. Hall, the cultural anthropologist who coined the term in 1963, defined proxemics as "the interrelated observations and theories of humans use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture".In his foundational work on proxemics, The Hidden Dimension, Hall emphasized the impact of proxemic behavior (the use of space) on interpersonal communication. According to Hall, the study of proxemics is valuable in evaluating not only the way people interact with others in daily life, but also "the organization of space in [their] houses and buildings, and ultimately the layout of [their] towns".Proxemics remains a hidden component of interpersonal communication that is uncovered through observation and strongly influenced by culture.

Types of Proxemics

There are four types of  “SPACES”or "DISTANCES" which people use to communicate on a face-to-face basis.

These include:

(A)  Intimate Space (0-2 ft.)

(B)  Personal Space (2-4 ft.)

(C)  Social Space (4-12 ft.)

(D)  Public Space (>12 ft.)

Intimate Space  is that which is used for very confidential communications. This zone of distance is characterized by 0 to 2 feet of space between two individuals. An example of intimate distance is two people hugging, holding hands, or standing side-by-side. People in intimate distance share a unique level of comfort with one another. Those who are not comfortable with someone who approaches them in the intimate zone will experience a great deal of social discomfort or awkwardness.

Intimate distances are those reserved for close, trusting relationships. People hugging, standing side-by-side, or engaging in close conversation are examples of intimate space.

We only let the closest people touch us. Anyone allowed to experience this zone that we are not comfortable with will result in considerable social discomfort. Think about being in an elevator or packed in a lobby. This type of discomfort can affect our capacity for relations.


Personal Space is used for talking with family and close friends. Although it gives a person a little more space than intimate distance, it is still very close in proximity to that of intimacy, and may involve touching. Personal distance can range from 2 to 4 feet. Like intimate distance, if a stranger approaches someone in the personal zone, he or she is likely to feel uncomfortable being in such close proximity with the stranger.

Our family and close friends usually engage us within our personal space, a two-to-four foot bubble around our person. There is a slight degree of intimacy, but usually this is casual, close conversation that gives us slightly more space than the intimate space. When we are seated in a crowded airplane, the tight quarters are uncomfortable for most strangers next to us, yet close friends are welcomed into this physical space.
This is why we feel uneasy if others come too close or not close enough. Personal space involves not only the invisible bubble around the body, but many of our senses as well. People may feel shaken when they experience an unwelcome smell or even someone leering in their direction.

Social Space is used in business transactions, meeting new people and interacting with groups of people. Social distance has a large range in the distance that it can incorporate. From 4 to 12 feet, it is clear that social distance depends on the situation. Social distance may be used among students, co-workers, or acquaintances. Generally, people within social distance do not engage in physical contact with one another. 

People may be very particular about the amount of social distance that is preferred. Some people may require much more physical distance than others. Many times, if a person comes too close to another individual, the individual is likely to back up and give himself the amount of space that he feels more comfortable in.  .

Most of our relationships fall into the social space, allowing a little extra distance between them and us. Casual conversations, business discussion, or polite social behavior happens in this space.

This is a critical area to design for with churches, as the built environment can directly influence the number of connections in this realm. Acquaintances and colleagues are most comfortable having conversation in the social space.


Public Space is measured at 12 or more feet between persons. An example of this is illustrated in the following picture, where two men sit far apart on a park bench, in order to preserve their public distance.
Public space provides the greatest distance between people. This is a safe space where we are free to decide who enters the next spaces, or who doesn’t. Our neighbors, other shoppers, or fellow concertgoers are examples of how we interact in public spaces.


The most important aspect of public space is that it gives us a way to share experiences. Doing life together with other people satisfies a basic need for belonging and community.Each of the previous types of proximity are heavily influence by people's perception of what the "correct" type of distance should be in a certain situation.

Culture is one of the factors which contribute to people's perceptions of how proxemics should be used. People from different cultures have different views on what the proper personal space should be.