Which list correctly matches the four personal space distances in the US with their typical ranges?

• A. Intimate 0-2 ft; Personal 2-4 ft; Social 4-12 ft; Public >12 ft
• B. Intimate 0-2 ft; Personal 2-5 ft; Social 4-12 ft; Public >12 ft
• C. Intimate 0-1 ft; Personal 1-3 ft; Social 3-6 ft; Public >12 ft
• D. Intimate 0-2 ft; Personal 3-5 ft; Social 4-9 ft; Public >12 ft

Answer: (A)

Understanding proxemics helps explain how people use space in interpersonal interactions. In US culture, personal space is divided into four zones: intimate, personal, social, and public. The intimate zone extends roughly to about two feet and is reserved for close relationships and physical contact. The personal zone goes from about two to four feet and is comfortable for conversations with friends and family. The social zone covers roughly four to twelve feet, suitable for casual or business interactions with strangers or acquaintances. The public zone is beyond about twelve feet, used for speaking to larger groups or addressing an audience. The given ranges reflect these general boundaries, with intimate 0-2 ft; personal 2-4 ft; social 4-12 ft; public >12 ft matching the standard breakdown. The other options drift these boundaries—moving the personal or social distances outside the typical ranges—so they don’t align with common US norms. Note that actual distances vary by individual, context, and setting, but this four-zone structure is the standard framework.