Try standing slightly closer to a friend or family member than you normally would, then note how he or she reacts. If you have a romantic partner or a very close friend, sit much farther apart from him or her than you normally would. For example, in a theater, sit one seat away from him or her, or sit at the opposite end of the couch if you would typically sit closer. Pay attention to the reactions that you elicit. Finally, when talking with an acquaintance, increase the distance between you each time the other person tries to decrease it and see how the other person responds.
What do these responses to your space violations reveal to you regarding the importance of spacing norms in the United States?
*Make sure you explain your odd behavior upon completion of your experiment!