ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Personal space

Personal space is the invisible boundary around you that lets you know when someone is too close to you. Think of it as a kind of bubble that surrounds you and keeps you safe. Just like how you don’t like it when someone touches your toys without permission, you also don’t like it when someone invades your personal space without your permission.

Sometimes, personal space varies depending on who you are with or where you are. For example, you might feel okay with your mom giving you a hug, but you wouldn’t want a stranger to hug you. It's the same when you're at home versus when you're in school or playing with your friends. Some people like to have more personal space than others, but it's important to respect everyone's boundaries and ask permission before getting too close.

If someone does invade your personal space, it might make you feel uncomfortable or anxious. That's why it's okay to politely tell them to give you some space, and most people will respect your wishes. It's important to remember that everyone has their own personal space, and it's important to respect that in order to make everyone feel safe and comfortable.