Proxemics
The Times has a fun and interesting article today on proxemics, the study of personal space and the social interactions surronding it.
CHANCES are that in the last week someone has irritated you by standing too close, talking too loud or making eye contact for too long. They have offended you with the high-pitched shrill emanating from the earphones of their iPod or by spreading their legs unnecessarily wide on a packed subway car.
But what makes you feel hostile toward “close talkers,” as the show “Seinfeld” dubbed people who get within necking distance of you when they speak? Or toward strangers who stand very near to you on line? Or toward people who take the bathroom stall next to yours when every other one is available?
The article discusses how there are unspoken but firm rules that govern where one sits and how people interact. Additionally these rules and patterns are being studied by businesses to help people remain comfortable while shopping. There is an idea bantered about in church circles about the 80% rule. When 80% of your seating space is being used, your space is full, and some are now saying that 70% is full. Proxemics at work.
Interestingly, as people we all know when these rules of proximity are violated but we may not be immediately aware of why we feel agitated or annoyed. Strange how such a subtle thing can have make us react so strongly.
