Quit Touching Me!
Nov 30th, 2006 by Frosted Flake Kelli
So…I’m pregnant……………….AGAIN!! This is my 5th child and I am really looking forward to most of the rituals of being pregnant, such as stuffing my face with no guilt, being able to put my feet up and blame it on the swelling, and getting away with all those wonderful unlady like body functions (that men seem to have mastered), and be able to smile and blame it on the baby!!! Among these, there is one ritual, that I DO NOT look forward too!! Being touched by complete strangers!!
So, why is it, that everyone, especially strangers, feel that they have the right to molest you, every time they see you, just because your stomach arrives 5 minutes before you do?? What is it about a woman’s big, huge “look, I’ve swallowed a watermelon” belly, that compels complete strangers to walk up, arms outstretched and start rubbing your belly as if you were Buddah! Do they think a genie is gonna pop out and grant them a wish? Something may pop out, but it ain’t gonna be no genie!!!!!
I don’t mind friends or family, getting the occasional “rub” in, it’s expected and frankly cute! It’s when someone, you don’t know, have never met, and would never, ever, approach or talk to for any reason, suddenly appears in your path, with the biggest grin in the world, and heads straight for your belly, as if the Hope Diamond is in your belly button! You see them coming from miles away. It’s as if there is a homing device secretly planted in your womb with your baby. They can’t stop themselves, but you wish they would.
I am only 7 weeks along, so this ritual has yet to start, but believe me….if you see me in the street, or in the store, or anywhere for that matter, and you for one second think, that I am going to let you, a stranger, touch my body in any way, no matter how innocent…………….you had better back up and “QUIT TOUCHING ME”
Being of the male persuasion, I feel my ability to comment on this is limited. I will say, though, that I have a definite personal space and wouldn’t be able to handle strangers having their way with a tummy rub unless invited. Then again, if you can laugh at it and figure out ways to make them feel uncomfortable for what they just did, it could be a fun game :)
I can’t for the life of me imagine why a perfect stranger would think it is ok to go up to a pregnant woman and touch her belly?! Now I know I am guilty that when I see a pregnant woman I always touch her belly – but that is only for my sisters or close personal friends! I would never, ever, even think to do that to a perfect stranger. What’s next? Are these same people going to ask you if they can HOLD your baby once you have him or her?!
Well Jeremy, I have actually done that a few times!! Usually as they start the rubbing they ask, “When are you due”? to which I answer “due with what, I’m not pregnant”….. or “Do you know what it is”? to which I answer “yes, a large tumer, I’m having it removed tomorrow”!!!:) And Debbie…yes!!! I’ve had that as well!!! Absolute and total strangers coming up, ohhing and ahhing (which is fine….be in awe of my miracle)….just “DON’T TOUCH US”!!! Yes, they have actually asked to hold my newborn children!! I have never had a problem telling people no to that request, but at least they ASK!!!!
Kelli,
You need to have a tee shirt printed up that reads :”I am NOT Buddha so don’t RUB MY BELLY!”
I did find this to be true when I was pregnant as well…and found it creepy. I think people tend to look at a ladies’ pregnant belly as not a part of her but a whole different entity. When my daughter was born I did ask people not to touch her and said no to asking to hold her…she had very long hair when born…over her ears in length and blond…everyone came up and wanted to touch her hair…I always said, “Please don’t.â€
Speak up…grab their wrists…say, “Ah HELLO…that’s my stomach thank you very much!†You have a license to be rude after all no one would kick a prego ladies’ bum….
Happy Baby to you!
Kelli, I am feeling your pain sista! Having just recently had a baby I have had this happen to me more than once! I have personal space that can be easily invaded so this just bugs me! I LOVE your responses, I wish that I had thought of that when I was expecting. Bummer, I won’t get the chance to use those great come backs!
BTW, Congrats!!!!
Lezhai…unless its Donny of course…;) but at least he did ask first…and who could refuse him.
Congratulations Kelli…my…5 babies….i gave up after 2. I don’t mind telling you i hated being pregnant and everything that went with it…not just the touching…which was a real shame cos i always imagined myself with a big family when i was younger…oh well.
Best wishes for a trouble free (and touching free) pregnancy.
Just the point Jane, Donny ASKED first!!!! And of course I politely accepted his kind gesture!!! :D Ahhhhhh….those were good times! hehe
Hi Kelly
I too have had 5 children and what a blessing. I think people in general, but especially women, want to be a part of that sacred journey we make as we help God create a miracle and that’s why they touch where the baby is.
They hope to feel a bit closer to Heaven, a bit closer to our Heavenly Father, absorb some of that innocence we once had perhaps, or even something so basic as hoping the baby will kick where they touch, so they can feel that miracle? And it is a miracle.
This world is not ‘kind’ anymore. People are harsh. Babies are not, they are beautiful and sweet and innocent before God, and we all want to feel that feeling of being near them. Who doesn’t love to snuggle a little baby close.
I can’t wait to be a grandma, can you tell?! :)
Hugs and blessings to that new little one.
Bev
I have never even wanted to rub or touch another woman’s pregnant belly. I’ve never had kids nor will as I am unable to have children. When I see a pregnant woman walking down the street or sitting I envy that person for they are experiencing something I know I never will.
I cannot imagine having a stranger come up to me and patting me on my head as they would a child or pregnant woman.
Stand proud and say, please don’t touch – I’m not a toy.