Space
Different cultures have varying expectations about personal space and physical contact. Many Europeans and South Americans customarily kiss a business associate on both cheeks in greeting instead of shaking hands. While Americans are most comfortable at arms-length from business associates, other cultures have no problem standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their peers or placing themselves 12 or fewer inches away from the person to whom they are speaking. In Russia, according to the University of California, female colleagues often walk arm in arm, while the same behavior in other cultures may signify a more personal or sexual relationship.