... I'm going to allow myself to be vulnerable here because perhaps someone out there may relate...or it can be a reminder for others ...
Tonight I accompanied one of my friends to a gathering at a bar with several of her co-workers- mind you, I don't know these people ....and at one point, her former boss came behind me while I was sitting and started touching my hair, while saying that he loves it- I had a freeze moment then turned and grabbed my hair from him, making it clear not to touch me and he got the message right away, yes.....but honestly, I'm somewhat frustrated with myself for not telling him off right then and there... because I didn't want to cause a scene.
....now it's been a few hours and I believe I just had a panic attack.... I was reminded of every. single. fucking. time a man touched me without my fucking consent; even if it wasn't malicious from this man tonight, it has drawn to the forefront of my mind every time I felt unsafe.
I do not like strangers touching me...not even being near me.
Please, please I beg of everyone....DO NOT TOUCH ANYONE WITHOUT THEIR DAMN CONSENT, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE STRANGERS.
You do not know what someone has been through and what it could do to them even if you have no ill intentions. Keep your damn hands to yourself.