Sitting next to someone (especially to the left) helps limit conflict since the position is deemed friendlier and less confrontational. Most people will subconsciously choose to sit next to someone with whom they think alike or work well, but you can use this position strategically as well.

The psychology of sitting next to a stranger or acquaintance is rooted in proxemics, a subfield of nonverbal communication developed by anthropologist Edward T. Hall. It explores how we use space to communicate comfort, power, and intimacy. In most Western cultures, the "personal space bubble" for strangers extends about 4 to 10 feet; when you sit directly next to someone in a sparse area, you are effectively "invading" their intimate zone (0–18 inches), which often triggers a mild stress response or "social anxiety." This is why people typically leave a buffer seat in theaters or on public transport. Sitting next to someone can also be a tactical choice: in negotiations, sitting side-by-side (the "cooperative" position) reduces perceived confrontation and encourages a "we're in this together" mindset compared to the adversarial "face-to-face" seating. Furthermore, gender, culture, and situational context—such as a crowded stadium versus a quiet cafe—drastically alter the social "permission" we have to occupy adjacent space.