It would be unnatural or unfriendly, especially among friends and family, if one didn't occasionally touch the other … an embrace, fist bump, leaning against one another, or simply resting your hand or arm on the other's shoulder. Although we still do that in America, people are generally less comfortable with physical contact by others. In every greeting, people will shake the other's hand or kiss on the cheek with a loose hug … if you know the other person well, you'll embrace them.
Michigan's Blue Buses are the exception to many forms of public transportation, and especially personal transportation, in America. Most forms of public transportation aren't crowded and designed to provide you with as much space and comfort as possible … take for example airplanes that feature extended space for each passenger and public buses with individual seating. In the DR, however, you'd be lucky if you weren't sandwiched between fellow passengers on guaguas, or mini-buses used for public transportation. The object of the game: pack as many people in that guaugua as possible … even if the door won't close. It can get very hot on those buses, but fortunately the open windows funnel in breezes.
Movie nights at a friend's house (in the US) usually have everyone sprawled and spread out among the couches, chairs and floor so that everyone has found a comfortable position to relax and stretch their arms. It isn't like that in the campo - instead, we managed to arrange 11 people into a full-sized bed, all perched around a 10" TV. No better way to get close to people quickly when you're all cuddled together on one bed.
The concept of personal space here doesn't only differ physically but in the way people interact with one another. Americans are typically more reserved in talking to strangers. Here, however, it is totally normal to have a full conversation with someone you just met. Some people will tell you there life story right up front, or at the very least engage in conversation while you wait at the store, sit at a bus stop, or waiting to see the doctor.
I used to be a reserved person. After my third time in this country, I wouldn't have taken away anything from the experience if I weren't more outgoing. My personal bubble has been popped … and, for this time anyways, that's a great thing.