Tips for Respecting Personal Space in Public Places

In social psychology, personal space refers to the distance one maintains between themselves and others. Earlier, Elijah Mcclain had discussed that most people value their personal space highly. They usually are left irritated, uncomfortable, or anxious when their personal space is violated without consent. Hence, people must try their best to respect personal space in public spaces. Here are a few tips for doing so:

• One of the fundamental aspects of respecting personal space is being aware of one’s surroundings. It is easy to become out of sync with the surroundings when continuously using smart phones, tablets, earphones and various other tech gadgets in public spaces. Hence, one must make it a point to be aware of where they are, the direction they are going, who is sitting or standing next to them, and so on. 
• When interacting with others in public, it is vital to maintain a respectful distance. This distance can vary on the basis of cultural norms and personal preferences but generally involves avoiding invading someone’s immediate personal space bubble. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least an arm’s length of space between oneself and others unless necessary for a specific interaction.
• One should “go with the flow” when walking in a crowd. No matter whether one is on a busy sidewalk, filing into a stadium, or shopping at a crowded local grocery store, it is better to keep moving to avoid causing inconvenience to others and invading their personal space. Unless it is an emergency, people should avoid stopping in their tracks to take a phone call in a public space. 
• If one is talking on their cell phone in public, they should try to have a buffer of at least ten feet to carry out a semi-private conversation without annoying others. If one has to pick up a call while being amidst a crowd then it is better to keep the call as short and quiet as possible.
• Body language plays a significant role in how personal space is perceived. People should avoid aggressive or invasive body language such as standing too close, leaning in excessively, or making sudden movements that can startle others in a public space. Rather, they should try to maintain an open and relaxed body posture while respecting the personal space of others. 
• Following the elevator code of conduct is an important aspect of respecting other’s personal space. One should let others exit before attempting to enter an elevator. In case the elevator is full, it is better to wait for the next one instead of trying to squeeze into the small space. 
• In public seating areas like parks, waiting rooms, or public transportation, it is vital to respect seating arrangements and personal boundaries. One should try to avoid occupying more space than necessary, especially in crowded settings. If possible, people must also offer seats to those in need, such as elderly individuals, pregnant women, or people with disabilities, as a gesture of consideration. 

The tips mentioned above can significantly help people to respect other’s personal space in public settings. Earlier, Elijah Mcclain had mentioned that by cultivating awareness, one can contribute to creating a more respectful and comfortable environment for everyone in shared public spaces.