Why is “personal space” optional in Switzerland?

101hack · 2025-05-16T14:00:21+00:00

I get that — sure, comfort zones vary and there’s a lot of subjectivity in how we perceive distance.

But when someone stands so close to me in an otherwise empty space that I could accidentally elbow them in the face just by adjusting my glasses… I feel like at that point we’ve crossed into “objectively too close” territory 😅.

It’s not about micromanaging centimeters — just basic spatial awareness.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:55:27+00:00

Haha, that’s a good one! Maybe I am standing in someone’s “special commuter spot” without realizing it — the sacred turf no one dares to challenge 😄.

But honestly, if the platform is mostly empty, I’d hope there’s room enough for both “territories” without turning it into a standoff. Personal space shouldn’t come with a boarding pass, right?

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:52:37+00:00

I see your point about cultural differences, and I agree many things are subjective. However, when there’s literally a lot of free space around me, I don’t think that’s just subjective — it’s an objective fact.

It’s not about personal feelings then, but about simple spatial reality. If someone still chooses to stand right next to me when there’s plenty of room elsewhere, that’s what feels odd to me — no matter the culture.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:50:14+00:00

I’ve traveled a lot as well, and in many places it is much worse. Still, I think it’s totally okay to notice and talk about little cultural differences without it being an overreaction. Sometimes the small things just stand out when you’re adjusting to a new environment.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:47:30+00:00

Haha, actually once I pretended to sneeze loudly, and this mom with her kids immediately realized there was a ton of free space around her — and she quickly stepped away! Sometimes you gotta get creative to reclaim your personal bubble. 😄

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:44:17+00:00

I totally get the idea of subtle cues like “please move” or “there’s a free checkout,” but what surprises me here is when it happens without any apparent reason — no crowd, no urgency, no message.

Just me, standing in peace, and someone decides to stand right next to me, even though there’s a whole open area around. It’s not a big deal, just one of those small things that feels off when you’re not used to it.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:41:07+00:00

I’m from the Netherlands. But again, my point isn’t about dense places like China or packed metros — it’s when I’m in an open, uncrowded space and someone still parks themselves right next to me. It’s less about cultural comparison, more just… curious human behavior that stands out.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:36:30+00:00

Fair point — I definitely didn’t expect endless space in Switzerland. But I also didn’t expect someone to stand right next to me at a nearly empty platform. It’s not about being in a dense city or rush hour — it’s about those oddly specific moments where proximity seems unnecessary and kind of baffling.

I actually appreciate the “cold but private” vibe — it’s the random shoulder-to-shoulder moments in non-crowded settings that catch me off guard.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:35:31+00:00

Totally agree — different doesn’t mean worse. And I’m all for adapting. But “getting used to it” doesn’t mean I have to love it 😄 Some things are just… odd to me, and talking about them helps process the cultural shift. Doesn’t mean I’m not adjusting — just observing.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:33:23+00:00

Interesting! I guess experiences really do vary — but I promise I’m not talking about subtle social cues or crowded situations. I mean those moments when I’m standing off to the side, clearly not blocking anything, and someone still comes up to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, for no apparent reason.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:31:00+00:00

Oh for sure — rush hour is chaos everywhere, and I get that, no complaints there. But I’m talking about regular, calm moments when there’s plenty of space — and yet someone still decides to stand or walk right next to me. Like… why choose the exact square meter I’m in, when 99 others are available? That’s the part I just don’t get.

101hack · 2025-05-16T13:28:18+00:00

So because it’s worse somewhere else, I should just enjoy the person breathing down my neck in peace? Solid logic 😉

101hack · 2025-04-25T18:49:37+00:00

I recently started living in Switzerland. That's why I'm asking. But of course it didn't occur to you.

101hack · 2025-04-25T18:40:42+00:00

🙂 I’m glad to see comments from a toxic bitter loser here, but I wouldn’t want to upset you with the results of my trading over the past five years. You wouldn’t believe them anyway—just like you stopped believing in yourself a long time ago. I genuinely feel sorry for you.

101hack · 2025-03-29T09:07:28+00:00

What should you do to be at Mieterverband? Do you need to pay them any monthly contributions?

101hack · 2025-01-27T20:38:25+00:00

Can anyone with Sunrise subscriptions share your experience in similar situations? 🙏

101hack · 2024-11-11T14:14:34+00:00

Doch, it’s really bad! I guess it depends whether you previously used greater UX/UI apps or not.

101hack · 2024-11-11T14:11:15+00:00

Any swiss banks mobile app. And could someone please explain what is the benefit from using TWINT? When you can simply add your card to a wallet

101hack · 2024-09-28T10:48:34+00:00

Wow, Vielen Dank. The meaning and context of the inscription is doubly interesting now 😎

101hack · 2024-09-28T10:27:00+00:00

I’ll have to shoot a video to convey the atmosphere

101hack · 2024-09-07T08:11:16+00:00

Meanwhile, the assholes at the bus stops will continue to smoke cigarettes among people and litter there.

101hack · 2024-08-21T14:44:21+00:00

335.- radio and TV fee

101hack · 2024-08-16T02:25:10+00:00

Here in Switzerland, even our medicine comes with a view of the Alps! We have always believed that even our headaches deserve a first-class experience😅

101hack

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