Unbelievable

[gridlore]

I am currently engaged in one of the strangest discussions I have ever seen on the ConJose mailing list, A newbie ask for advise on how to enjoy his first World Con, and the comments flowed into convention etiquette. I mentioned that some people (like me) dislike being hugged without warning, so please ask first.

So far, I've been told that I need to see a shrink, been accused in private mail of being psychopathic, and told that if this person sees me they will hug me, consequences be damned.

Why is it so bloody hard for people to realize and accept that I just do not like being touched? Why do I have to wear a button that says Ask Before Hugging? What does it say about fandom that there is a market for these buttons?

To be clear: I understand and accept inadvertent contact like you get in crowded elevators and queues. Being tapped on the shoulder in a noisy place, is okay. But unless I have invited any other form of contact, please do not assume that I want to hug you! I have very good reasons for this.

Christ, I may get a spiked jacket at this rate.

Comments

[twfarlan.livejournal.com]

I tend to do one of two things with someone who takes "hug liberties" without asking.
1) Step back away from them as they approach me with open arms, looking at them like, "Hey, what rock did this crawl out of?"
2) Stiffen up like a wooden plank, looking down at their face (I'm tall, I rarely look up at anyone) with that same expression, occassionally even going to the point of saying, "Excuse me, but what made you think that was a good idea?"

I'm odd sometimes, I know, but I get very confrontational with people who think their ideals outweigh my rights.