Definition of space:  

“1. A continuous area or expanse that is free, available or unoccupied;” 

“2. the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things move.” (dictionary.com)   

The word “space” may mean different things to different people.  Some may think: (1) outwardly, as of rocket ships in a Star Wars setting; (2) inwardly, on their personal surroundings; (3) objectively, as the distance between things; or (4) scientifically, the time to choose a response to a stimulus.   

Researchers have studied the human phenomenon of personal space.  “The most consistent results show that personal space extends with anxiety and shrinks with comfort.  If you score high on stress . . . your personal space grows with respect with other people.”  “When tested at finer precision, personal space tends to stick out farther in front than at the sides or behind.”  (Dr M. Graziano, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, Princeton University.  (Wall Street Journal, January 6, 2018.) 

We all need a time and place for personal space, the extent of which varies with people, events, and mood.  If we are close to a loved one, our personal space narrows; if close to an enemy or bully, our personal space expands.  A person will stand much closer: to a friend than to a boss; to a teammate than to an umpire.  If our self esteem and confidence is high, our space limitations lower, but anxiety and stress interpose a larger buffer zone.  

Certain cultures bring different personal space attitude.   ” . . . researchers sort the world into ‘contact cultures’; i.e., those in South America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, and non-contact cultures, i.e., Northern Europe, North America and Asia.  In non-contact cultures, people stand further apart and touch less.” (What ‘Personal Space’ Looks Like Around the World, Amanda Erickson, Washington Post, April 24, 2017.)  For example, a contact culture person looking for a seat in a crowded place may select someone to stand closely next to, making the sitting person uncomfortable enough to give up his seat. 

Freedom may be found within a personal space of a different kind.  “Between stimulus and response there is a space.  In that space is our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”  (Victor E. Frankl (1905—1997), an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and survivor of the Holocaust.)  He had written about his horrid experiences, and essentially determined that the Nazis could take everything away, except one’s thoughts.

Lastly, all of us have observed people who have “spaced” out, unaware of their surroundings because of too much alcohol or drugs.  They reside within their own personal space and care nothing about the space between other persons or things.