No Touchey Touchey

Watching “Deal or No Deal” last night, my husband and I were discussing Howie Mandell’s germophobe issues. He doesn’t shake hands. He gives a fist, or an air kiss while he holds the other person’s forearms. But no handshakes. I don't shake hands. And to be honest? I don't like to be touched at all.

Why do we have to touch people? It surprises people when I finally, for whatever reason, have to fess up that I don’t want to be touched. People think I'm warm and sweet. But that doesn't mean I'm a toucher. It just happened today. One of the attorneys in our firm wants to honor “Administrative Professionals” day by shutting down the office for an hour and taking all the ladies out for pedicures.

Sweet? Yes. Participate? NO! People think that I cut my own hair because I know how. Partially true. The reality is that the shampoo hurts, the combing is rough and I worry about everything icky while I’m there. I LOVE pedicures, but only when given BY MYSELF. I have had ONE pedicure by a salon in the 15 years since beauty school . I do love to GIVE pedi's to my Rebecca-Marie though.

You have to be VERY INNER CIRCLE to touch me. VERY. Husband & Son, Mom & Dad, Sister and her kids, hugs for family at holiday gatherings and one girlfriend at work. That about covers it. Doctors comment that I need to relax. Dentists see me white knuckling when I’m in for cleanings and ask if I’m alright. I mean, I will give the obligatory hug goodbye, or good hearted rustle, but that’s it. (the only exception to the touching rule is tattoo’s and piercings… but that’s an entirely different issue).

Long story short is that I agree with Howie. You shouldn’t HAVE to touch anyone if you don’t want to. And we shouldn’t have to defend why.

NO TOUCHEY.