I have a strong aversion to physical contact. Just ask my partner, Jake.
During family reunions, I tend to shy away from embraces. Kisses as a greeting make me feel uneasy. The idea of strangers touching me—people who are not my spouse or my kids—strikes me as profoundly uncomfortable. Even my immediate family understands that there are times when I simply need space; my body requires a break from physical interaction.
So, when I’m at work and a colleague, someone other than Jake, places a hand on my shoulder, wraps an arm around me, or gives an unsolicited back pat, it sends me into a state of anxiety.
Outwardly, I maintain my composure. I laugh at your mediocre jokes and brush off your weak attempts at flirting. I try my best to ignore the subtle hints of innuendo in your casual stories while suppressing the urge to express my frustration at your overstepping boundaries. It’s astonishing how presumptuous one can be, assuming that I would welcome your touch in any form.
But this is the reality for women like me. We have families to care for and cannot afford to be overtly confrontational. It’s an unfortunate truth that many men remain oblivious to the feelings of discomfort their actions can induce, even if they are meant to be friendly.
I acknowledge my own shortcomings in not voicing my discomfort sooner. So, moving forward, I kindly ask you to refrain from unnecessary physical contact. It’s imperative that my boundaries are respected.
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In summary, I hope to shed light on the importance of personal boundaries regarding physical contact and encourage an understanding of the discomfort many experience in such situations.