If the palm scratch felt off, intrusive, or just too forward, trust your instincts.
Here’s how to respond with confidence:
2. Say what you feel — directly
Your words don’t need to be harsh. They just need to be clear:
“Please don’t do that.”
“That made me uncomfortable.”
3. Shift the energy
Change the subject, change your seat, or walk away if needed. Discomfort should never be brushed aside for the sake of politeness.
4. Know you owe nothing
You are not obligated to tolerate behavior that feels inappropriate — whether from a stranger, an old friend, or even someone you’re getting to know romantically.
If You’re Not Sure What It Meant
Sometimes gestures fall into a gray area. Maybe it didn’t feel inappropriate… but it didn’t quite feel right either.
Continue reading…