Do You Find Yourself Dislike Being Touched?

[Zipperhead]

Unexpected physical contact is my trigger. If I see it coming I'm fine. It's like I can prepare for the initial shock, and then I'm okay. I am not open to contact with people I don't know or respect though.

 

[southernbelle]

I do not have a problem with being hugged or touched by those I know well. I DO have a problem with having my personal space invaded or if someone is standing behind me and I'm unaware of it.

 

[AngelaMarie]

Here in Holland they don't only want to kiss your cheeks, but do it three times. "Back away please!" I have always hated it so, so much. So, I have finally made a decision that I won't allow that anymore. I will offer a hand. I have a right to my boundaries and shouldn't feel shaky from that for minutes after it happens....right?!

 

[melody]

I HATE to be touched. I interpret all touch (except from family members) as sexual rather than friendly. It makes me feel dirty and violated.

Hate is a strong word for me, but I feel much the same way ScaredOfLonely. And the hypervigilance, even when my husband is the one catching me off guard is crazy! Just today he walked up behind while I was doing something (the stereo was loud and I didn't hear him) and grabbed my behind. I not only jumped, I screamed! He made a joke and said something about him being a burglar/ass grabber that stalked houses just so that he could break in and grab women's behinds. We both laughed at how silly it was, and because we both know that he'll always get that kind of reaction from me if I'm not aware he's going to touch me.

 

[AngelaMarie]

Melody, I can so, so relate. I have to keep the light on in the hallway because if my computer is on in front of me it's like someone just appears out of the dark if the light isn't on. Scares me to death. It's nuts because who the heck do I think it is?

My stairs creak because I don't have carpeting on them. That is on purpose because then I can't be sneaked up on as easily. I like to know where people are.

The other day I had to laugh because I finally scared him. The first time I saw him jump....lol. I finally was able to say "Now you know how it feels!":)

 

[melody]

Melody, I can so, so relate. I have to keep the light on in the hallway because if my computer is on in front of me it's like someone just appears out of the dark if the light isn't on. Scares me to death. It's nuts because who the heck do I think it is?

AngelaMarie - you made me laugh out loud! It is kinda nuts, but it's who we are. And honestly... I'm beginning to get used to this new person that I've become. I'm starting to be more comfortable with the fact certain things like the hypervigilance will always be there, and I'm able to laugh at myself instead of criticize myself. :)

 

[MischiefManaged]

I just hate being touched. I always have done. Family I'm fine with but anyone else it's horrible. I have a hypersensitive thing going on which flares at random when I'm in a crowd or with a lot of people around. Its like all my senses are suddenly 20, 40 times as receptive. Does anyone know what this is or how to deal with it?

 

[Britt.f7]

I use to cringe if someone would reach out to touch me. Now, I've taught myself not to, but it took years. I will flinch every so often. There are certain people I know like to touch or hug and I am okay with them. I've learned to be. I have one son who is not much into touch, and another who is an avid hugger. There have been bad times with me where I've had to warn myself that he is coming in for a hug and not to get uptight but go with it. That it is safe. It definitely effects my marriage, but I have a very understanding husband.

 

[Hashi]

Strange to see this topic right now. I'm having a lot of trouble with this at the moment.

I'm feeling raw generally from therapy and getting body memories. I'm finding it hard to travel to and from work because the trains are so crowded. Today at the shops, I first of all had two different people's arms brushing against me as they leant across to push the buttons in a lift - they were together, and being generally inconsiderate to everyone. Then later a woman and I accidentally bumped into each other and that was OK but she then put her hand on the front of my shoulder and kept it there while apologising, until I pulled myself abruptly away.

The thing in the lift made me angry, but the apologising thing made my skin crawl because it was deliberate. However well-meant, it's still touching me without my permission.

 

[Hashi]

like all my senses are suddenly 20, 40 times as receptive. Does anyone know what this is

MM, is it hypervigilance? I'm afraid it's hard to respond because I don't know how long you've been diagnosed with PTSD or how much you know about it. Would you like to say a little more? Maybe there's some information on the forum that people could point you to.