Unconsciously, we all keep a comfortable distance around us / when we interact with other people. / This space between us and another person forms invisible walls. / The amount of space changes / depending on the nature of the relationship. / For example, we are usually more comfortable / standing closer to family members than to strangers. / Personality also determines the size of the area / with which we are comfortable when talking to people. / Introverts often prefer to interact with others / at a greater distance than extroverts do. / Cultural styles are important too. / A Japanese employer and employee usually stand farther apart / while talking than their American counterparts. / Latin Americans and Arabs tend to stand closer than Americans do when talking. /

 

For Americans，the usual distance in social conversation ranges from about an arm’s length to four feet，/ and less space may reveal how uncomfortable they are. / In cultures where close physical contact is acceptable and even desirable. / Americans may be perceived as cold and distant. /