Cue awkward silence and fidgeting with your phone.
Much of it has to do with personal space. A study by the University of Wroclaw in Poland asked people around the world at what distance they found the physical presence of a stranger to be uncomfortable. People in England were in the middle in terms of the spread of preferences and, for them, discomfort kicked in at anything closer than a metre – barely avoidable in many elevators.
Another factor is the lack of a social script. From business interviews to doctor’s appointments, we navigate many situations in life by playing a role and following expected norms. But just what is the appropriate conduct when you’re nose-to-nose with a stranger in a lift – stare at the ground and pretend they’re not there, or strike up small talk? The good news is research shows that a brief chat might not be as awkward as you expect.
Read more:
- Why do we make eye contact with strangers as we pass them?
- Why does it feel so good to set the world to rights with a friend?
- How do we choose our friends?
Asked by: Hannah Wade, Birmingham
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