Archive for June 30th, 2009
For Those Who Like to Kiss and Hug at Work
By Elizabeth Bernstein from the WSJ
Why are people at work always touching me?
I get bear hugs from men and unsolicited kisses on the cheek from women. Co-workers of both sexes grip my elbows, tap my knees and pat my back. An editor recently held my hand on deadline—literally. One work friend hugs me every time she sees me in the elevator, even if I’m furiously typing on my BlackBerry and juggling iced coffee and a salad.
I thought my colleagues were just being really friendly, until I turned a corner in the hallway one day and the cleaning woman flung her arms around me and stroked my hair. She told me she just wanted to say “Hi.”
That’s when I knew it was me. I am, for lack of a better word, a “touchee.” Figuring out when it’s foul and when it’s surprisingly welcome can be tricky.
Every workplace seems to have at least one “toucher”—someone constantly doling out hugs, shoulder rubs or high fives. Some people hate this attention and quickly put an end to it. For better or worse, that leaves a lot more love for the rest of us.
But is it ever really OK to put your hand on someone else in the office, even in friendship and support?