getting patted on the back

[paloftoon]

Unless I know someone real well, I get uncomfortable when people pat me on the back.
Society blows it off like it's nothing, but I feel I run into people who patronize a number of times. They think they are being nice, but they really aren't. If it comes to inviting me to things, these same people might not necessarily consider me for such an occasion.
People are really good at being very socially manipulative. So, I'm always balancing back and forth between being too paranoid and being more cautious. There are a few people I want to hug, but it doesn't always occur to me naturally and I want to ask most people.

 

[Outdated]

Aussies tend to have a very strong sense of personal space and we can get aggressive when that personal space is invaded. We don't "rub shoulders" with others, if they get that close then they're either your sexual partner or they're a poorly educated con man.

That's how most Aussies see personal contact in public. If you watch people meet they'll step close to shake hands then step back again keeping about a metre of space between themselves and others.

Touching someone in public is seen as an attempt to ingratiate one's self, the first move of a con artist or a pick pocket. Patting an Aussie on the back is likely to get you punched in the face unless you are a well known and trusted close friend. Trying to put your arm around a stranger's shoulder will almost always result in violence, it's highly offensive to us.

 

[Ronald Zeeman]

I thought this was about verbal pat on the back, had lots of those. over the years.

 

[paloftoon]

I thought this was about verbal pat on the back, had lots of those. over the years.

No, a physical pat on the back.

 

[Masked Man]

I'm not personally a huge fan of being touched, but I have a coworker who is from South America and she is very touchy with everyone. I think for her it's a cultural thing so I let that go. And she's nice so it would be hard to be upset about it.