When initiating a conversation, note how close you are standing to the person opposite you. Personal space is an essential concept in many cultures, and how much or little you give often __41__ the first impression you make. __42__ , in most Western nations, locals do not like standing close to one another. In these countries, it is customary for people to back away when they feel their space has been __43__ . On the other hand, South Americans stand in close __44__ to one another. When you are meeting one of them, keep in mind that it’s __45__ to step backwards during a conversation. A good rule of thumb is to stand at least an arm’s length away from your speaking partner.