To Touch Or Not To Touch?– That Is The Question

Imagine yourself at a wedding.  You’ve just met with one of your oldest and closest friends and are exchanging salaams and “how do you do’s”.  Just then, you see your friends parent (opposite your gender) approach your circle.  Your friend says salaam, you say salaam, the uncle/aunty says salaam, and then they go in for the kill.

The next thing you know, the uncle or aunty is reaching in for a hug, a pat on the head, or even a kiss on the forehead.  You’re feeling awkward and extremely uncomfortable.  But you don’t know what to do! This aunty or uncle has known you since you were in diapers.  You feel like he or she could double as your own parents.  But the fact of the matter is that the person isn’t your actual parent, so if they’re touching you, it isn’t okay.

But then you think to yourself, “Yea… it’s wrong, but I don’t want to offend him or her.  I’m just like a baby to this person.  What’s the harm?  I can’t reject their love by not accepting this affectionate gesture.”

Or can you?

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