Personal Space Please

Look, I get it: some people love to show their feelings and emotions. Some people are big believers in hugging, physical affection, and the like. That is great for those people, and trust me, I encourage you to express yourself how you see fit...just remember that we are not all like that.

I grew up with the teaching that some people are entitled to show you affection. When grandma wants a hug and kiss, you suck it up and let it happen. So, as kids, we all let it happen. No big deal; we survived right? The thing is that, as adults, we should be allowed to make decisions for ourselves, and as such, we should be allowed to express that some of us do not like physical affection.

Listen, I am not saying that I am anti-touch. In fact, one of the most important things in my marriage is physical contact. It is not about just intimate contact, but more about hand holding, sitting close to each other, or just otherwise being in contact (I am not necessarily a cuddler which my wife can attest to). In addition, out of habit, I will hug my gram when I see her, and of course, when my squad of nieces want a hug, they get the biggest one I can muster.

However, what about those random people that just seem to be huggers? What about the aunts, grandparents, and random friends that feel like they are entitled to a hug? Ummm, no. Back out of my bubble. I am sure there are people that feel like physical contact is essential for affection, but some of us are just not that way. Please keep to yourself.

Yes, this is the equivalent of rambling, but nonetheless, it affects my life more often than I would like. It may seem petty, but it is certainly worth addressing. There may come a time when you are staring at me waiting for an embrace; it is worth your time to know that in those moments, I am imagining punching you in the face more than I am giving you a hug.

#stayoutofmyspace