By: RLCB

i'm not super huggy outside of my small circle of hug-approved folks, but if I can anticipate the situation I'm okay with touching/hugging new people. Like, if I'm invited to a colleague's home, I know they'll probably go for a hug and that's fine, because I'm prepared. But... I was in a very large meeting at work (dozens of people) and the consultants running the meeting had us all stand up in a circle around the room, turn to one side, and rub the shoulders of the person in front of us, while the person behind rubbed us. I was completely appalled. I was standing between the president of my organization, and another administrator whom I had just met. I looked for any opportunity to decline, but felt it impossible without causing offense. I sucked it up but said something afterward to a few "in charge" folks - enforced touching, especially in professional environments, is not okay!