Today: Beware the space invasion.

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Tomorrow is International Hug a Vegetarian Day, which means I will be hiding in my closet during daylight hours, for fear of being bear-hug-ambushed by strangers.  Nothing strikes terror into the heart of this herbivore quite like a nonsense holiday involving personal contact.  I am a firm believer in personal space and appropriate physical boundaries.  I love a good hug from someone I know, but I can do without being touched by a stranger.

I make two exceptions: qualified massage therapists and the old lady that works at the Target in Dorchester.  You know, the one with the religious paraphernalia displayed on her register?  Right when I think she is going to hand me my receipt, she pulls a sneak move, touches my hand and says “May the angels bless you,” or something similarly nice, but weird.  This scenario has played out so many times in the past year, that my trips to Target  have become synonymous with being blessed by a cashier.  And, I guess, touched by an angel?  I don’t know.  It could be a lot worse, I suppose.

Clark is a notorious Space Invader.

I am no astronaut, but let me tell you, Space Invaders are not on Mars.  They are here on Earth,  working in my office building.  I almost always take the stairs (not because I am an amazing person, but because my office is on the second floor and I am not bold enough to take the elevator up one story), but on rare occasions when I do ride the elevator to the upper floors, my space bubble is almost always invaded.  Same goes for standing in line for a cup of tea the cafe downstairs, or while I am trying to wash my hands in the ladies’ room.  If I can feel your breath on my earlobe, you are standing too close, lady.  Way too close.

I just gave myself the heebie-jeebies.  And the creepy crawlies.  And the willies. Is your skin crawling yet?

Anyway.  Please.  Hug the vegetarians you actually know tomorrow.  Same goes for the carnivores, and the omnivores, and the flexitarians, and the egalitarians, and the librarians.  Hug ’em all, provided they’ve invited you into their personal space.

Also On Tap for Today:

  • More incentive to not hug me: I have a miserable change-of-seasons cold 🙁
  • Baby rhinos are almost as cute as baby hippos, no?
  • Taste-testing various Gus, Chomps, and Bloks

Do you like to hug it out?  Or do you keep people at an arm’s length?

Comments (8)

  • Katie

    September 23, 2010 at 6:18 pm

    Haaaa. I just had the touchy feely conversation with a friend yesterday. I am VERY touchy feely and she is SO NOT! So your post cracked me up! I also loves steak and chicken and hamburgers. She is a vegitarian. TOO FUNNY! Anyhow… very cute blog! I do LOVE beer! Probably a little too much! 😉

    Happy ICLW!

    Peace Out!

  • Kristin (Msfitzita)

    September 24, 2010 at 12:14 am

    Ooooh, yeah – I like my personal space, especially where strangers are concerned. My rule is if I can smell you, you’re way to close. I should never smell you.

    So I will opt to wave at vegetarians from a safe distance tomorrow. I hope that’s okay too 😉

    ICLW #17

  • Jul

    September 24, 2010 at 8:08 am

    How funny. I’m going to walk around tomorrow with a bratwurst in one hand at all times, just to divert potential huggers.

  • Emily

    September 24, 2010 at 8:14 am

    Ugh, totally agreed! I have a serious problem with airplanes and movie theaters for just this reason. My skin CRAWLS when someone puts their arm on the armrest between us and their shirt (or WORSE, their SKIN) touches mine. EW. I have resorted to socially awkward techniques such as placing a magazine between my body and the armrest to avoid this situation entirely. Glad I’m not alone!

  • Hillary

    September 24, 2010 at 6:36 pm

    I’m less touchy feely than most, but am ok with a hug from a friend. I hope everyone stayed away from you today! Just don’t wear a sign about being a vegetarian today, or announce the holiday, and hopefully you will be hug-free 🙂

    ICLW

  • Rachell (Barrenista)

    September 25, 2010 at 5:04 pm

    I love a good bear hug every once in awhile!

    Happy ICLW#41

  • Browniris

    September 27, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Stopping by from ICLW…

    I hate it when people invade my space! I need to know someone pretty well before I am willing to let them in my bubble.

  • heartincharge

    September 27, 2010 at 9:30 am

    I love hugs. It’s one of the things I miss about college. I went to a small college. Lots of hugs. All day long. Hugs mean hello to me.
    Thanks for the reminder that not everyone agrees!

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