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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Too tactile

27 replies

thisisnotmyusername · 01/11/2014 16:58

I'm keeping this vague because I'm paranoid about someone working out who this is about. I've name-changed too.

Basically, someone in my husband's family is just far too tactile with me. Normally it's just a bit annoying and doesn't bother me too much, but recently it has become a bit more. He has always given me very firm hugs, put his hands on my shoulders and waist when 'guiding' me etc. For example, if I show him the time on my watch he will hold my arm to look at the watch. Normal physical contact for some people I guess, but feels a bit weird to me as I don't like anyone to touch me except my husband and family (except hugging friends on greeting etc)

But the other day it went a bit further. Again, keeping it vague, under the excuse of showing me how something works he touched my legs. I am sure he meant it innocently - he has never been inappropriate and is really not that sort of person - but it felt far too intimate just made me want to cry. I was really not happy with it. Other people were there at the time and don't think they noticed anything - as I say, it probably didn't look that dodgy but I know it was a totally unnecessary thing to do.

There is no way to confront or discuss this. I can't mention it to my husband, as it would look like I was making some kind of accusation. I am just not happy with this level of physical contact.

OP posts:
YouAreMyRain · 02/11/2014 11:45

Unless he has some kind of disorder which means he has difficulty understanding social norms, he is doing this on purpose.

Stiffening up etc may be a way of silently expressing your discomfort but I doubt he cares. He feels like he can touch whoever he wants whenever he wants. You need to be clear with him. Would it be possible to talk to him with your DH present but no one else? Just something like "please stop touching me, I don't like it" He will minimise and deny and suggest you are crazy etc but hopefully, with your DHs support he will get the message and back off.

IrenetheQuaint · 02/11/2014 11:52

Ugh. If you don't want to go nuclear quite yet (and I can understand that) then maybe next time he does it (and unfortunately there probably will be a next time) jerk/shudder violently and then say, 'Oh sorry, I'm not very good with people touching me.'

If he doesn't get the hint then you'll be absolutely justified in going nuclear on future occasions.

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