Do not approach within arm’s reach (fingertips ourstretched) without them facing you. This is the approximate ‘personal space’ boundary. As soon as they back up even slightly, stop; you’ve gotten too close to them. If you find someone constantly edging away from you, adjust that distance upwards.
Note the exact distance varies greatly with culture. This is true even when comparing only Western nations to each other.
Note the exact distance varies greatly with culture. This is true even when comparing only Western nations to each other.
This is true. If the other person moves close enough that you end up wanting to back away, this might be what is at play.
Note that it is natural for people to move slightly closer to each other in an active conversation as well.