28. Proxemics, noun. Name invented by American anthropologist Edward Hall for the study of space as it relates to human experience. Hall was intrigued, for instance, by how differences in the physical arrangement of objects in a space can change our reactions towards it—as well as by how we manage our personal “bubbles” of territory. Proxemics studies have revealed that individual preferences, cultural norms, and situational contexts all work to dictate consistent distances within which each of us feels comfortable engaging in particular activities.

Ultimately from Latin prope, “near.”

So far for a whisper; so far for an announcement. So far for the first time we meet; so far for the thousandth. So far for you’re interesting; so far for you’re standing in my way. So far for giving things up; so far for keeping them in. So far for I need you; so far for I need you to leave.

So close for touching your gloved hand. Eyes out the train window.

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