When we talk about personal space, Eastern and Western cultures can be very different.

Western Cultures:

• People usually like having a bigger personal bubble.
• In social situations, they feel comfortable with about 1 to 2 feet of space between them and others.
• Being really close to someone is mostly for those they have special relationships with.

Eastern Cultures:

• Here, people often prefer a smaller personal space.
• Standing close to someone can mean that you are friendly.
• For instance, in Japan, it’s normal to stand closer when talking to someone.

It’s important to understand these differences when you travel.

Respecting how much personal space people want can help you make connections and show that you care about their culture. This will make your travel experience even better!