[Inigo]

Have you ever had that experience where you're with a girl (or boy) and all the sudden you become hyper-aware that you are in physical contact with each other? Maybe you're sitting next to each other and your thighs are slightly touching. Or she's sitting across from you and your feet touch. Or its a crowded room and you rub shoulders.



It could be an accident or something totally innocent, but it sets off alarm bells in your mind and it absorbs almost all of your attention. You're only vaguely aware of your surroundings because you are so sensitive to that slight touch and you can't help all the thoughts running through your mind: Is she touching me on purpose? Is she sending me a message? Does she like me? Does she want me? ...

Maybe this is something that only happens when you're young. I hope not. Either way, I miss that feeling.

Have you experienced something like this before? Or is it just me?

[dansvan3]

Actually...yes. There are times, especially if I'm around a lady friend, where if she touches me for some reason, accident or otherwise there's this odd silent tension (although I'm probably the only one feeling it). It's pleasant tension, though.

[pyjujiop]

Yes, it's happened to me on occasion. Nothing unusual.

[Bago]

Only if I like the person, but I don't feel or sense this in any way straight away. I guard my personal space pretty well. I thought I had like an issue on body contact. So I started salsa dancing, and this has let me draw in the confidence in personal spaces and so forth. It is also where I learnt about what is appropriate space and what it is not. This was indeed such a fascinating subject for myself. You can always tell those who knows a respectable space from that it is not. Some very primitive and sleezy guy won't notice the strong arm hold that your partner holds so tightly to fend you off from coming any closer ! I have been told off by one guy who said "the guy is supposed to lead", when he sensed my tension in my arm to denote "this is my personal space and I do not like you that way, so back off"... but then again, I suppose from their viewpoint, I should have declined the dance any way...

I was taught how to hold a strong frame by a teacher who was also a martial arts practioner, and he taught us how to do an arm lock which disarms the guy. :) I thought that was pretty cool. lol...

[Rayna]

Yes, tons of times. Especially if it's someone I like or if it's someone I find very attractive/popular with people/worth looking up to.. that kind of thing. I sometimes think to myself how stupid to suddenly pay attention to this.. it's not like the person is thinking the same... T__T On the plus side, it makes me feel some kind of warmth that makes me feel kinda happy, weirdly enough.

[Xn18]

Yes, I am very aware when someone touches me. I went for a long period in my life when I wasn't touched by anyone in any way at all. I do enjoy it however.

[Bago]

By the way, if you sit somewhere, and someone put their thighs against me, I shift my legs away and create a space. They should know better, especially if this is a social place. I have also kind of held back on the chin kiss thing, or the hug thing depending on who it is. I have indeed shaken someone's hands before especially when I can see the keenness in their eyes which denoted something else. I would be careful as to decide what you do with that information and behave as appropriately.

I have had really lechy men who took advantage of such social situations and grope somebody inappropriately. Even when the other person was sleeping on a coach/bus !! I have seen when men spreads their legs so that they touch yours, it is disgusting and it is noted.

The body language thing is a whole world altogether, and I would note of it. Even if the other person does this, you can always make a decision as to how you handle it. For me, I prefer my dating style to be a particular setting, so therefore I rule out anything else that happens anywhere else, as not counting to anything. So I would behave as appropriately. Yes, this extends to the workplace too.