As my wife and I were watching some of both MSNBC and CNN last night, something hit me.

[csziggy]

12. I hate having anyone get physically close to me

Most of the time I avoid crowds but even - or especially - in less crowded areas I don't want people getting too close to me.

One time at work (the one job I had in an office setting) I felt someone come up behind me so close I could feel their body heat all along my back. I stuck my elbow out from my side and turned sharply which plunged my elbow into the man's soft abdomen. He never got within five feet of me again.

I do the same think in crowds if I feel too pushed. It's not as if I am sticking my elbow out very far, just at an angle that would hit anyone within six inches of me when I turn. In crowds if I hit someone with my elbow I immediately apologize and say something like, "I didn't realize you were THAT close!"

If anyone ever started massaging any part of me without my permission - even my husband - they would regret it immediately.