Personal Space

Proxemics is the study of how people perceive the physical spaces around them. It takes into account body spacing and postures as involuntary reactions. The physical distance between two people can be linked to the relationship they share, personal or social. There are four proxemic distances: intimate, personal, social, and public distances. Intimate distances can range from actually touching to six through eighteen inches. The individuals are so close together that it is not considered proper for strangers in public. Your personal space allows you to stay protected and untouched by others. Personal distance ranges from eighteen inches through about four feet. Social distances range from four to twelve feet. This is the distance at which you conduct impersonal business or interact at a social gathering. Public distances can range anywhere from twelve feet to twenty-five feet. Although you lose the fine details of the face and eyes, you are still close enough to see what is happening. You see others not as separate individuals but as part of the whole setting.
Territoriality is a possessive reaction to an area or to particular objects. We interact in three types of territories: primary, secondary, and public territories. Primary areas are those that you call your own. These areas include your room, desk, or office. Secondary territories are areas that do not belong to you but that you have occupied. These areas include your regular classroom or cafeteria seat. Public areas, or territories, are open to all people. They are used by everyone but owned by an individual or organization. These places include malls, movie theaters, and restaurants.
Beth's disconfirming messages are rooted in her ignoring of Conrad. She denies his problems, denies his presence, and denies her feelings toward him. Beth walks past Conrad's bedroom without speaking to him and plans family vacations that do not include him. More significantly, she failed to visit him when he was in the