What is this "space" americans refer to?

Question

I am nicaraguan, and i hear this "i need my space" from people all over the US, i saw it in a movie "Spanglish" as well and was left as confused as the mother in the movie... Why is it that theres this desperate need for "space" and "alone time" for americans and some europeans, in most countries, we respect but intervine more than we should i suppose but isn't life about relationships and family and "in your face" & "this is what i think" & "we need to solve this now" Specially between mothers and children, we were carried in their wombs for 9 months, and protect and fed by them for years, and we say "give me space" in a moment of anger?? whats the deal?

Answer 1

It's the difference between independent and collectivist cultures.

Also as a special note: collectivist cultures are more likely to be unsuccessful economically.

Answer 2

It might have to do with the fact that Americans are spoiled and used to a lot of wide open space and when someone gets in their face or interferes with their freedom, it feels claustrophobic and tortuous to them