actually, culturally, Americans tend to be "close talkers" and
   we STARE. There are very few cultures that do the STARE as much
   as people from the USA do, except perhaps for Haitian culture.

   My mom was married to an Egyptian for 2 years once. When she
   went to Egypt for a month (I'm still envious a little) back in
   1984, she was reminded not to stare a couple of times. It took
   her a few days to get used to the "timing". Egyptian glance
   timing is VERY short and quick. She said you'd feel someone
   staring and then when you turn around to look, all you see is a
   little hair moving as someone had completely turned away.

   Personal space is definitely a cultural thing though and differs
   among subcultures within a culture.

   I like my elbow room. I like an exceptional amount of elbow
   room.

   Some people do not. They like bumping my elbows.

   I think perhaps there might be a better line drawn for personal
   space among Americans by using the introvert/extrovert scale
   rather than "what's the dominant American culture do?" because
   really, it depends. I'm sure it's similar in other cultures as
   well in that way.