Final answer:
Maintaining a "personal space" of about an arm's length is generally suggested to put someone at ease, but it's important to take note of cultural differences and individual preferences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintaining a "personal space" of about an arm's length between you and the person you're talking to helps put the person at ease. This distance can be influenced by cultural background, various situations, and the current health landscape, such as the precautions taken due to COVID-19. In general, proxemics plays a key role in interpersonal communication, which is the study of the use of space and how varying distances between people can affect communication, both at work and in social settings.
When engaging with others, it is important to be observant of their comfort levels and adjust your distance to maintain a respectful interpersonal space. Not adhering to these unspoken rules can result in discomfort or a misinterpretation of your intentions. Furthermore, other forms of greeting, such as eye contact and a wave, can also be appropriate ways to convey friendliness and respect for personal space.