Go through the following simple tips and try to apply them if you aren’t doing so already. This advice comes from an article on the psychologytoday.com website.
1. Be kind to your friends
We can invade the personal space of our friends but it could prove really awkward if we do so with strangers. In other words, we shouldn’t take this privilege we enjoy with friends for granted in all situations.
2. Be aware of where you are
Be respectful and try to observe the boundaries other people would like you to respect. This applies especially to limited spaces, and all the more so to those limited spaces from which there is no easy escape. For example, on board an aircraft we have some privacy within the limits of our own seat. That is why the access to our own armrest may be very important. There is also a psychological aspect of comfort in this.
3. Make your feelings known
If, however, in a given situation you are unable to confront someone who is invading your personal space, try to find ways to distract yourself so as not to dwell on it. Nonetheless, you should in any event at least try to send out signals showing you dislike the invasion and want the person in question to stop doing it.
4. Read body language and react to it appropriately
You should try to recognise the signals you receive from others when you are close to them: it may be that you are violating their personal space. Pay attention to the behaviour of people around you. If it seems you may have overstepped the mark, you should back off.
5. It is not only about how close you stand
There also exist sensory intrusions we should be aware of. If you choose to wear a strong scent or you talk very loudly in public places, this can also be problematic. The same applies if you ask a stranger excessively personal questions.
-jk-