I personally strongly dislike being touched by people other than my boyfriend, friends and certain family members. When I worked in retail this summer as a summer student or when I’m just out and about, older people (both men and women) would touch me when talking to me. Why is this? Is this a generational thing or something else?
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Are you hanging out with Leonardo Dicaprio again?
It’s only partly generational. In my experience some people are just used to this touchy-feely way of expressing themselves and they do it involuntarily. But just because it’s an unconscious gesture, doesn’t mean it’s neutral. Without even realising it, people use it to get someone to be more agreeable, to get them to spend more time in conversation, etc. Except it backfires heavily with those who don’t enjoy being touched.