Personal Space and Touching Etiquette

In this lovely country, keeping a safe distance from one another is also strictly enforced. People tend to converse to one another at a much closer distance than a Westerner is accustomed to. An arm's length of space is acceptable when dealing with business colleagues, but it is less than an arm's length when conversing to family members, friends, or persons of the opposite sex.

The more one gets to know someone, the more touching there is. Regardless of the connection, males and females rarely exhibit affection by touching (sister, wife, etc). It is crucial to note, however, that in the more populated areas of Yerevan, Vanadzor, and Gyumri, the "westernized" manner of communication and physical touching is more prominent, but still not widespread.

Touching is not done when chatting, regardless of the topic, unless the person knows the other person well. Regional places have more intimate conversations than metro areas. Don't be startled if someone "pets" you in the middle of a chat. It is generally an indication of being adored.