Can’t Touch This
The past few days have brought several people I haven’t seen in some time around as well as introduced new friends. When greeting them I’m always a little hesitant to see what the other person is expecting. Do they want a hug, handshake or are they the type to go for the kiss on the cheek?
We all know Americans tend to need a little more “personal space” than the rest of the planet. My personal space is larger than normal. I don’t like people I don’t know getting too close to me. Yes, the crowded train or bus in the morning freaks me out. All those people touching me GAA! I have stood at the platform for close to an hour waiting for a train that is empty before I will board. My brain goes into a frenzy when I’m pressed up against all those people.
So when someone who is relatively new to my world is overly touchy or huggy, I freak out. There is a select group of people that I allow to touch me. And of that group different people are allowed varying degrees of how much and how long they can touch me. Sales people I have worked with for years are allowed a hug. The “old school” sales people are allowed the kiss on the cheek, but reluctantly. Close friends and family get the bear hugs, etc.
So, how do I tactfully inform a new friend that they are being overly touchy without insulting them? “Your hand lingering on my shoulder is freaking me out… back off would ya?” Can’t tell Yo Master D about it cuz, he doesn’t quite know the definition of the word tact and would really throw a wrench in the works.
My fellow bloggers…my friends….how do I get this person to stop touching me?
