Personal and shared space

Personal bubbles are a lot smaller in Chile than they are in the US. People are a lot more packed in by the time they start to feel uncomfortable on public transport. Friends and acquaintances do the whole kiss routine in the air next to your cheeks. Friends touch each others shoulders and arms. There is no need for the empty chair between groups in public eating areas. If you're sitting next to someone in a waiting room, bus, etc. it's ok if your sides touch.

Personally, I prefer this smaller personal bubble. It's much more practical and makes relationships more affectionate. In terms of efficiency and economics, it makes a lot more sense. Less metro trains or buses are needed. Lower fares are possible. Waiting rooms and dining areas take up less space. In essence, everything involving more than one person takes less space for the same level of comfort.

Humans crave affection, physical touch. I don't (necessarily) mean romantically, but just generally. We like hugs, kisses from grandma, hand shakes, etc. Personally, I find it natural that friendships would include this kind of affection. The physical comfort and closeness seems like a natural extension to the emotional connection. It shows trust and care.

As I often do, I relate things in the human world to those in the canine. Not in a bad way... yes, I am comparing humans to animals, but you have to understand that I love and admire dogs. A lot. Anyways, when I see a dog, I approach it slowly and watch its reaction. I then move my hand close and see how it responds. I pet it in non-threatening areas, usually its back or side. Eventually, it might let me pet it head and neck or roll over to pet its stomach. A similar process occurs between dogs. These actions leave the dog vulnerable, its vital parts--neck, head, etc-- exposed to you, showing that it trusts you. It's the same with people. Physical closeness shows trust that you won't abuse it.

The physical closeness and affection that I have grown used to is something I will miss when I'm back in the US.