Treat distance as data, not manners
Interpret approach and withdrawal as useful proxemic data before responding.
Distance is a cue, not a confession. When someone moves closer or farther away, treat it as information about the current interaction rather than proof of their attitude. The mechanism Hall's proxemic zones help you ask, "What kind of interaction is this becoming?" A move from social distance toward personal distance can signal collaboration, urgency, or pressure. A move outward can signal the need for thinking room, privacy, or reduced intensity. The same movement can carry different meanings depending on role, culture, room layout, and relationship. The control layer Territoriality explains why objects and paths matter. A person may withdraw…
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