Final answer:
In a Western environment, a distance between two persons of 0 to 18 inches is known as intimate distance, often reserved for close personal relationships. In a professional context, it is typical to keep an arm's length distance to avoid discomfort, with variations arising from cultural backgrounds and recent health considerations like COVID-19.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a Western environment, when the distance between the two persons falls between 0 to 18 inches, it is categorized as intimate distance. This space is typically reserved for close personal contacts, such as those with family members or intimate partners. In professional or social settings, paying attention to personal space and acknowledging the comfort levels of others is important.
Although cultural backgrounds play a significant role in determining what is considered an acceptable distance for interactions, one should be aware of social cues that indicate whether someone is comfortable or not. For example, in a professional environment, maintaining an arm's length of space is common to avoid making someone feel uncomfortable. However, with the impact of COVID-19, norms regarding physical contact like handshakes have shifted, leading to alternative greetings such as waves combined with eye contact and a smile, or none at all, depending on the situation and personal preference.