How do I ask someone not to touch me?

[Anonymous]

It’s awkward at times. Especially when I’m out eating alone a lot of times waitresses will put their hand on my shoulder. It’s awkward and I usually move a little. Sometimes they just keep their hand there.

It’s also just people random people who talk to me and start touching me. I don’t want to be rude. But how can I tell them not to touch me

[DishLady]

I know what you mean... You can simply shift back to avoid the touch. That's the most polite thing to do.

They're. just trying to connect with you. They don't mean anything by it.

You can possibly say, "Excuse me, I don't like to be touched." There's no actual polite way to say it...

[Asker]

Yeah true. I assume that’s how you deal with it. Though trying to connect with someone does mean something

[Asker]

I love being touched. But by the right people and it has to mean something to me. When it’s someone random and there isn’t anything behind it. It’s kinda uncomfortable

[DishLady]

Well, with wait staff, female waitstaff tend to touch a guy (for a better tip), whereas male waitstaff get a sort of "fisheye" for touching a girl. But yes, if I'm at a social or professional gathering and a guy touches me when I don't want him to, I smile and turn/shift to avoid contact. Same goes with guys who stand at an angle to look down my blouse... (SMH. So childish.)

[DishLady]

Yes, I get what you are saying -- wanted, meaningful contact. But also some friendly contact on occasion is not necessarily creepy... While it's uncomfortable it's still marginally tolerable.

[Asker]

Yeah and people who are disingenuous for a tip most the time get a lower tip. Just because it pisses me off.

If someone’s friendly and attentive. I’ll give a good tip. Sometimes 20 dollars if I have it because I know they don’t make a lot and their tips are taxed whcih is bullshit.

[Asker]

You’re right. It all depends and some people just don’t know when they’re making someone uncomfortable some are just touchy people

[DishLady]

You probably threw them for a loop with the lower tip! 😂 😂 😂 They'll have absolutely no idea why they got it.

[DishLady]

You're right. Perhaps just give the person a pointed look and see if they'll stop touching you. Unwanted contact isn't ok.

[boggboss]

By just saying it but it will make things awkward

[DarkLegacy]

Just tell them.