Much of it has to do with personal space. A study by the University of Wroclaw in Poland asked people around the world at what distance they found the physical presence of a stranger to be uncomfortable. People in England were in the middle in terms of the spread of preferences and, for them, discomfort kicked in at anything closer than a metre – barely avoidable in many elevators.

Another factor is the lack of a social script. From business interviews to doctor’s appointments, we navigate many situations in life by playing a role and following expected norms. But just what is the appropriate conduct when you’re nose-to-nose with a stranger in a lift – stare at the ground and pretend they’re not there, or strike up small talk? The good news is research shows that a brief chat might not be as awkward as you expect.

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Asked by: Hannah Wade, Birmingham

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Authors

Christian Jarrett
Christian Jarrett

Dr Christian Jarrett is a cognitive neuroscientist, science writer and author. He is the Editor of Psyche, the sister magazine to Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy and the arts. Jarrett also created the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog and was the first ever staff journalist on the Society's magazine, The Psychologist. He is author of Great Myths of The Brain and Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change.

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