I don't get it.

There seems to be a set of people who are just touchy-feely. And in certain instances, I have no trouble with that--in fact, when I'm around people I know well and like, or feel comfortable with, I am incredibly physical. But to a perfect stranger? No.

When I'm working, I don't want my co-workers touching me. They aren't my friends, and I have no real intention of becoming friends with them. It's not okay to grab my shoulder or touch my face (which happened day before yesterday; a girl I work with stuck her hands in my face in a concerted effort to freak me out) or tug my braid.

Today at work, a woman I'd never set eyes on walked through the door and immediately grabbed my hair. Told me it was beautiful, that it reminded her of her childhood when she had a long braid. Touching. But seriously? How is that okay? How did we lost the knack of respecting personal space? I have a braid--it's long and somewhat resembles a rope, sure; this doesn't give anyone the right to touch it or pull on it or anything. At all. Unless I say it's okay, don't fucking touch me.