Cross Cultural Understanding

The English tend to keep about an 2-3 feet between them while speaking.
Touching is usually kept to a minimum.
Family members are more relaxed and familiar with each other, so touching of the arms, elbows, or hands is acceptable. However in a business environment, touching is very minimal and personal space is respected much more than in a family setting.
Personal space is very important, even more so when crowded or in a confined area such as public transport. It is not acceptable to start conversations with strangers in such environments and people will do their best to ignore everyone around them. If a conversation is started regardless of this it is usually embarrassing for all concerned.