It amazes me how many people think it's okay to touch strangers in public. It's not. It's rude, offensive, and a violation of one's personal space.
I've been pushed in a bank line and chummily grabbed by the shoulders in a buffet line. The second offender got an earful from me.
The other "no touching" rule that I urge all to follow is: Don't Touch Random Babies Whom You Don't Know.
I know people who do this all the time -- we're out at the mall, and up behind us steps a parent with an infant -- and my friend is cooing and drooling -- and then they have to grab the baby's hand, or touch the baby on the face. Yes, babies are beyond adorable. But it's not your adorable kid to touch.
Newsflash: That parent or nanny has no idea where your hands have been, and that child is more than likely going to pick up your germs.
This no-touching rule extends to the workplace: even if you know someone, even if you're "friendly" with them, no inappropriate touching at work. I realize there are some business cultures where a hug is okay between colleagues -- but make sure you know that a hug is okay before reaching out to touch someone.
I'll never forget the first time a business colleague (female) hugged me after a meeting -- I was flabbergasted. I was taught you don't hug at work, and I was thrown. Now, I have a few colleagues whom I do hug, but we've also been working together for eight years, and we only hug hello or good-bye if we're out, like at a lunch. Never in front of clients.
And please, never ever ever do this at work.
Have a great weekend, readers...and stay polite!
