The Unspoken Rule of the Empty SeatWhy we instinctively leave a space between strangers.

From the show

Hidden Codes of Conduct

Ever wondered why you leave a gap between you and a stranger on the bus? This behavior, known as the 'buffer seat', is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that maintains personal space and psychological comfort. Breaking this unwritten rule can cause social friction by violating our shared expectations of privacy. This social norm varies across cultures, reflecting different attitudes toward proximity and individualism.