Why does he avoid touching me?

[Anonymous]

My coworker was really touchy-feely 3 months ago. He didn't hesitate showing affection in public... he hugged me, made shoulders massage, etc.

Out of the sudden he started avoiding doing that. I get the feeling that he wants to do it, but something is stopping him.

Yesterday we talked a bit near my car and he grabbed my hand 3 times in 15 minutes. But he is avoiding doing it in the office (almost at all costs).

I thing the manager has something to do with that. Do u think so?

[Anonymous]

I cannot say for sure why your coworker is avoiding touching you. However, there could be many different reasons for this change in behavior, ranging from personal issues to external factors such as work-related stress or changes in the workplace environment.

It's possible that your coworker's change in behavior is due to external factors such as pressure from the manager or concerns about maintaining professional boundaries in the workplace. Alternatively, he may have personal issues or concerns that are causing him to withdraw or become more reserved.

If you are concerned about your coworker's behavior or want to better understand his perspective, it may be helpful to approach him in a non-confrontational way and ask if everything is okay. By opening up a dialogue and expressing your concerns in a respectful and supportive way, you may be able to gain a better understanding of his feelings and work towards a solution that works for both of you.

[Opinion Owner]

If you want to approach your coworker about his change in behavior, it may be helpful to do so in a non-confrontational way. Here is an example of what you could say:

"Hey, I've noticed that you've been less touchy-feely with me in the office lately, and I'm just wondering if everything is okay. I really appreciated the positive interactions we had before, and I want to make sure that we're both comfortable with our interactions in the workplace. Is there anything going on that you want to talk about?"

By expressing your concern in a calm and respectful way, you may be able to open up a dialogue and gain a better understanding of your coworker's perspective. Remember to approach the conversation with an open mind and a willingness to listen, and to give your coworker the space and time he needs to express his own feelings and concerns.

[spartan55]

It's called avoiding a trip to HR and keeping his job.