Just out of curiousity,
WHO CREATED THE MYTH THAT RUBBING A PREGNANT WOMAN’S BELLY BRINGS GOOD LUCK?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Let’s just say that anyone who touches my belly (who isn’t the person that put the baby in me or the one who will be taking it out) will be losing a hand very quickly.
I think people just get excited, and don’t know how to express their excitement.
Personally, I have no desire to touch a pregnant belly, but I can see how people would think it’s like a “pat on the back.”
Not saying it’s okay…just that I see where they’re coming from.
I have a fairly strict “don’t touch me” policy with strangers – people I know, I’m huggy with, but not strangers.
The other day I was standing at a newspaper rack outside a restaurant, and granted I was wearing a very bright blazer, and a woman came up to me, patted me on the shoulder, and complimented my jacket. It was all I could do to not turn to her, and say in my demon voice, “Don’t touch me!” But yeah, my personal space is that – mine. Not anyone who thinks they can touch me.
But be prepared, because I’ve heard it from far too many people that a gravid belly is open season.
I suppose you could do what Dean used to do when he drove as a document courier in the Bay Area – he carried a machete. He never did any damage with it, but the sight of a man in a car waving a 24″ blade around cleared a path in front of him. Or a hand taser – just make sure they aren’t still touching you.