Personal space in public

[Dug]

So this is kind of a ranty post but suppose there's some discussion to be had. Now when I go out be it to a restaurant or a movie theater I like to have ample space around me. Pretty sure we've all been in the situation where you go to an essentially empty movie theater, you choose your seats and someone else comes in and decides to sit right in front of you or in back, even if there's a multitude of spots to choose from. Same goes with eating establishments that let you choose your own seating, why would someone choose to sit at a table right next to yours when they could easily get one at least a table away.

Is there some kind of psychology behind why certain people do this? Are you one of these people? I feel it could be tied to the whole introvert/extrovert type deal but I know for me I make it a point to not be next to other people and expect them to do the same.

[May90]

People are social creatures, we are pulled towards each other. You might be interested in having personal space at the moment, but the person sitting in front of you might subconsciously just want to be closer to other people.

[Khadgar]

I hate having to use a Urinal next to a stranger in a public bathroom.

[TrumpIsPresident]

My "trigger" for personal space is the checkout line.

Both people who stand too close when I'm trying to pay and clerks who try to snatch my ID out of my hand with their grubby diseased fingers.

[Deleted]

Move to Finland. There are no "social animals" in this country. This is how Finns wait for a bus:




I just cringe every time people make these claims that all people are social and social this and social that. People and cultures are different. We don't all want to dryhump each other at every damn point, or even speak to one another.

[Drekker17]

Maybe you're just sitting in desirable areas. Like at movie theaters people choose the middle seats first, end seats next, front seats last. In my experience people don't sit right next to me in a theater unless it's sold out.

[GrinningMan]

How dare you.

How fucking dare you.

Don't you know that no one wants to be standing next to -you- either? Who are you to think you deserve any more 'personal space' than we're allowed when we're crowded in line and just want to get back home to our families?

It inconveniences you? Do you think we like the way you smell? Or the rank on your breath? No. We don't want your tits or saggy ass, we just want to go home and get the hell away from the filth-dogs that decide that doing laundry can wait until after they can see skidmarks in their underwear.

How fucking dare you.

[Khadgar]

Umm, that's not invading your personal space. That's just them sitting in another seat that's next to you. Your personal space doesn't radiate out to other nearby seats.

Are they touching you, leaning on you, sitting on top of you? No? Than your personal space is still secure.

If they're within arms reach there within your personal space

[Archon14]

Well, as far as restaurants go, your table should be your only personal space. As for the other tables, it doesn't matter.

From my experience, I never really saw people sitting closer to someone on purpose. However I did see people pick the table in the corner or something like that, to be as far away from others as possible.
When I pick a table, I just go with what free table seems to be the "best". Which depends on stuff like the view, how far would it be from the waiters/reception, if it's the right size for our group, if I could see the possible TV and other dumb crap like that.

I always reserve tickets for movies, so my choice is where the ticket tells me to go. Also, I go when the place is full.

[Deleted]

Umm, that's not invading your personal space. That's just them sitting in another seat that's next to you. Your personal space doesn't radiate out to other nearby seats.

Are they touching you, leaning on you, sitting on top of you? No? Than your personal space is still secure.

Nobody does that here.

[nyc81991]

I think it depends on the situation. Someone might sit next to or near you simply because they feel that is the best view point (like if in a movie theater for example).

[Rudkobing]

They might want to mount you.

[Graeham]

If I'm at a restaurant with a friend then I don't generally like to be seated next to a stranger. I want to be seated, ideally, in a corner or a private booth so I can have conversations in peace and laugh at joke without any interference. In short, it's a matter of personal preference. People need to come to terms with the idea that they can't always count on having 'personal space' if they're in a busy location though.

[Rudkobing]

Your personal space doesn't radiate out to other nearby seats.

Mine does. Actually, it extends to other galaxies.

[Karlz0rz]

My personal space is so big, I was once asked to star in a personal space porn!
I politely declined.

[Gourmandise]

Move to Finland. There are no "social animals" in this country. This is how Finns wait for a bus:

https://i.imgur.com/Gjvti5U.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/T7GUrZZ.jpg

I just cringe every time people make these claims that all people are social and social this and social that. People and cultures are different. We don't all want to dryhump each other at every damn point, or even speak to one another.

I see these pictures and get depressed, like when I think about Japan.

If that's how you stand for the bus, how do you guys survive getting on it?
Is it spaced out like this for a dozen or so people :P

[Flutterguy]

I am a comet. Fuck all of your orbits! I refuse to conform!

[Independent voter]

Midwestern girls in the US like to get close and even touch. They think nothing of walking up to you and pinching the fabric of your shirt to examine the material it's made from. But don't mistake this for flirting.

Asian women on the other hand like some personal space. It's funny to see a Midwestern girl talk to an Asian girl, with the Midwestern girl moving closer and the Asian girl backing away, they can move across the room this way not even thinking about it.

[Summer]

Yep I'm going to second the earlier posters, move to Finland, you'll feel right at home.

[Aeula]

I have no idea but I hate it.

I feel like I can't converse when others are within eavesdrop range.