This is my standard operating procedure (SOP) for non-crowded movies. If you want to sit on a row that already has people on it, you sit where you want to sit but leave one space between your group and the other group. It eliminates awkwardness and leaves room to breathe.
But when I did that today, the person that sitting two seats down seemed to be almost offended by the fact that I didn’t sit by her. It’s not like I thought she had cooties; I just wanted some space. It’s what we all want, and if anyone has ever been in an uncomfortable theater with little leg room, they know what I’m talking about.
Today’s incident just struck me a little more unusually than normal. It isn’t misanthropic of me to leave a little room, is it? I’m just trying to make sure we don’t invade each other’s comfort zones.
Marshall and the Movies 
I usually leave some pace in between groups as well. And I’m the type of guy almost has to put his legs up on the chair in front of him.
That being said, if a girl is offended that I didn’t sit down next to her, I would happily oblige her and scoot closer. 🙂
You do have to watch out for cooties, though. Those things are no joke.