bubble concept of personal space
the theory that an imaginary, private region surrounds a person, serving as a buffer against potential emotional or physical threats and determining the distance to be maintained in communicating with others. The size of the “bubble” varies with different individuals and situations, being smaller, for example, for lovemaking than when conducting business. For most people, it extends from about 0.5 to 1.2 m (18 in to 4 ft) for contact with close friends, from 1.2 to 3.6 m (4 to 12 ft) for business acquaintances, and beyond 3.6 m (12 ft) for strangers. The distance also may vary in different cultures: For example, Americans may back away from Europeans who are perceived as standing too close during conversations. See also body buffer zone; proxemics; territoriality.