Social Quote by Jo Nesbø
““The social space between people who don’t know each other is from one to three and a half metres. That’s the distance you would keep if the situation allowed, but look at bus queues and toilets. In Tokyo people stand closer to each and feel comfortable, but variations from culture to culture are in fact relatively minor.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Social Norms, 2015
Personal space varies culturally but generally falls within a narrow range; proximity is adaptable based on context.
In simple terms: People keep about 1‑3.5 m distance, but cultural norms shift it.
Key Takeaway
Respect others’ space, yet stay flexible.
Themes
personal space
culture
proximity
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
observational
informative
When to use this quote
- public transport
- restrooms
- crowded events
Key Concepts
social norms
environmental adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your culture define comfortable distance?
- When do you adjust your personal space?
A Different Perspective
Cultural differences can be larger than suggested.
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