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I have realized time and time again that different people have different comfort zones. These can vary by region or even country, but I can guarantee you will never find two people with the same level of acceptance about personal contact. I am a very friendly person. My speech is frequently punctuated with "Honey" or "Sweetie." I do not mean these as degrading or offensive terms, they are just a part of my normal conversation. (I think it is an East coast thing.) However, after thinking about "comfort zone" issues for some time today, I have realized that even those words could make someone uncomfortable. Someone may be offended by my speech, just as I am by someones uninvited and unwanted touch. My opinion is this, If I want to have physical contact with a classmate, friend, or colleague, I will let them know. I don't think standing around, smoking a cigarette, minding my own business is inviting touch in any way. I have to remember that other people have different ideas about what is acceptable behavior for them, but they need to respect that it is not acceptable for me. Otherwise, it just leads to an uncomfortable situation for all involved.
I know this is not academic in any way, but then again, maybe it is. I think a conscious examination of our behavior is beneficial every once in a while. From now on, I will try to control the "Honey's" in my conversations.
Posted by Nicole Haralambidis on 2/11/04; 10:00:48 PM
from the dept.
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