Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Touching

I have personal space issues. I know I have them. But...is that a bad thing?

Today at Costco, a lady accidentally ran her basket into me. She said sorry, I said ok, I thought we were done. Then, she started rubbing my arm and apologizing more. After a few seconds I asked her to please stop touching me. What would make this woman think she had the right to start rubbing my arm?

Tonight at class, a man touched my shoulder when it was my turn to read. I don't think it would have bothered me had that woman not rubbed my arm earlier today. And in class, there is a sense of familiarity with the people...

I'm just not sure why people (especially complete strangers) think they have a right to touch you.

Thoughts?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

hmmmm..... I'm not really sure what the touching is about for people but you are right - now that I think about it, it does happen often with strangers. Maybe you have a friendly inviting face(?) I had a gal tell me the other day about a 4H dog training class that had already started for masters class but that if they saw my friendly face -they'd let me in. (Laughing) I think that was a nice compliment.

Ginny said...

I don't like being touched either.

Colored With Memories said...

your not alone! i especially hated it when strangers would rub my pregnant belly...hands off!

Khadra said...

I really really really like my own personal space. A stranger touching me is very much not ok...someone in class that I have seen quite a few times, I can definitely deal with.

Bottles Barbies And Boys said...

Your not pregnant are you?

That's when I always seemed to get touched the most. (Or maybe that was before..?)

Becca said...

Thanks for your thoughts everyone! And I am definitely not pregnant!!

Lori said...

Yep pregnant is the worst time. I worked at Michaels while I was in college and pregnant with my daughter. I actually had someone reach across the counter and hold their hand to my stomach. When I asked what she was doing, she said she was hoping to feel the baby move.

It seems to come from people not knowing any boundaries, or being so self-involved not to consider that it's not ok.

Rubbing an arm is weird I'd say that your lady fell into the second category.