Personal Space

1. If a stranger smiles at you, do you smile back? Why or why not?

2. If you were sitting on a park bench by yourself and someone sat down next to you, would you talk to them? Why or why not?

3. If you’re in a crowded bus where having your personal space invaded is unavoidable, how do you cope?

4. In your country, how do people greet each other when they meet for the first time?  How do people greet each other when they see friends?

5. Do people make eye contact in your country?  With strangers?  With friends?

6. In your country, do people stand far away from each other when they talk? Do they like to stand close?

7. In your country, when is it okay for people to touch one another?

8. Have you ever travelled abroad?  Did you notice any differences in personal space?

9.  Imagine someone is coming to visit your country.  What advice would you give them about personal space?

10. What do you do if someone invades your personal space?

11. In your country, is it common to shake hands with someone you have just met?

12.  In your country, is it common to sit next to someone that you don’t know at a movie theater?