I said I was tactile. I didn't say I touch anyone at work. Or a serial groper. I just don't mind being touched if the touchers intentions are clear and well meaning. And I understand Touching is a very triggering thing and no one has right to touch, yet it happens. Rather than try to change the world, can't we find constructive ways to respond?
I was trying to get inside touching woman's mind and see if there was a way to understand why she did it, that wasn't creepy or threatening. Is there a balanced view here? Or shall we all just go and find that woman and dog pile?
OP shouldn't have to ask people in advance not to touch her. But the horse had bolted, at the point of being touched why not say I don't like that. Is it really better to simmer internally and carry that unpleasant moment with you afterwards? I'm sure all of us have far more important things to invest our mental energy on.
None of us can manage away all these kinds of things ahead and prevent them happening. This forum isn't going to re-educate the entire populous and prevent it. And are you actually supporting OP if she just comes out the other side even more wound up and unsettled?
OP, hope you're ok. If you keep getting touched at work please do address it with people so that they learn and stop. Or you could go to HR and talk to someone about how to prevent this in future.
Righty o, must dash, I'm off to run around touching people. (That is a joke please don't stone me to death, I'm only 41 and mother to children who need me, just give me at least 10 more years to get them off to uni etc)