What is 'personal space'?

"'Giving space' in any relationship means allowing individuals to think, feel and act as they want -- allowing them to express themselves. It is allowing the 'you' and the 'me' to exist in the 'us'," says Dr Shubhangi Parkar, head of psychiatry, KEM hospital, Mumbai.

"There must be no influencing of the other's thoughts or convictions in the name of love or for the sake of the relationship. It means existing irrespective of the relationship," she adds.

Nilay Kothari, 23, who works for a software firm and is in a relationship, has staunch views about maintaining space.

"Personal space in a relationship means lack of restrictions. It is about having the liberty to voice your own thoughts and make decisions. It also refers to your personal time when you can just be yourself and do things that please you, " he says.