VSEPR Theory on Human Interaction

The basic principle of the Valence Shell Eelctron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory is that electron groups around a central atom locate themselves as far away from each other as possible to minimise electronic repulsions.

I guess human beings, being made up on millions of atoms, which in turn have got dozens of electrons hovering around it, do take on the characteristics of their very own atoms and electrons that make up them.

Take MRT passengers for instance. Usually when people are choosing seats, they tend to locate themselves as far away from the next passenger as possible, unless the other party is their friend. Hence, you can always see this interesting sight of alternating seats being occupied on a single row of seats on a MRT carriage,like the folowing illustration ('X' represents an occupied seat, while '_' indicates an empty seat).

X _ X _ X _ X _ X

Even when people board the bus, their choice of seats are also governed by the VSEPR Theory. People will always choose to occupy seats (can be aisle seats or window seats), which the seat next to their choice is empty, so as to locate themselves as far away from strangers as possible.

As much as the electrons choose to locate themselves as far away from each other as possible to minimise electronic repulsion, I guess the same theory can be applied to human behaviour. In human civilisation there has always been a sense of self and in turn, a need for "personal space".

There is some speculation that the human need for personal space stems from evolutionary sources. The theory goes that the introduction of unknown and potentially dangerous objects or entities into the space immediately surrounding a soft, shell-less human triggers a desire to run away...

Personal space may also stem from the animalistic behaviour known as 'staking territory'. Most animals will claim territory using scent glands or urinating, as demonstrated by dogs upon trees, lampposts, fire hydrants or mailmen. Humans however, due to social constraints, have a more difficult time of it. With little or no concept of territoriality or territorial behaviour, humans may tend to move randomly from one place or another with no place to call home.

-- Source: BBC h2g2

Our concept of personal space is probably defined as possessing enough space (the exact amount to be determined by every individual according to their own needs) to engage in activities of our own world. Hence, just like how electrons will repel each other when they come too close to each other, human beings "with little or no concept of territoriality or territorial behaviour", will "repel" too when they feel that their personal space is invaded, and hence on public transport they will occupy seats that will locate them as far from other strangers as possible.

Yet, the interesting thing is that we seem to have a mutual consensus on personal space. We would not like to have our personal space invaded, and we also would know not to invade the personal space of others, hence usually it is those who have not gotten themselves a seat will let the VSEPR Theory govern their choice and choose to locate themselves as far away from other strangers as possible, and not those who are already seated to relocate themselves. With little or no concept of territoriality or territorial behaviour, humans may tend to move randomly from one place or another

And the most interesting thing is, we know when to make compromises. Just like how bond angles will become smaller when the molecule has got more lone pairs, in a crowded situation human beings will also make that compromise and reduce their personal space accordingly to accomodate the personal spaces of others (of course there are always exceptions as can be clearly illustrated by those inconsiderate bastards who insist on occupying two seats for their own comfort despite the rush-hour commuter-flow.)

For me, I am someone who value my personal space a lot. I yearn for freedom. That's why I don't appreciate it when salesmen or salewomen come up to me to ask if I need any form of assistance, because I prefer to do my shopping and selection at peace and would only want help when I need it. That's why IKEA's service (or the lack of it) is preferred (though I seldom shop there because IKEA does no cater to my needs).

That's why I do not like it when there's someone who is walking closely behind me. In such cases, VSEPR Theory comes into action and I would accelerate to locate myself as far from that person as possible. I don't know if it's just me or what, but don't you find it annoying when there is someone, who does not harbour any ill intentions, who is walking very closely behind you and at the same walking speed, making matters worse (which means that he will be following closely behind your back throughout)?

Haha.. basically this entire entry is just to vent out my annoyances of other people invading into my personal space by walking so closely behind me. And I get to revise a bit of Chemistry at the same time.