How do you tell someone not to touch you in a nice way?

Asked by: Norwood Schaden  |  Last update: October 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (21 votes)

It can be as simple as saying something like, “Hey, not now” or “I'm not ready for that.” You could even just say, “Please don't do that. You're making me uncomfortable.” Your boyfriend needs to respect you and move at a pace that you are comfortable with.

How do you tell someone to stop touching you politely?

My approach is usually to say something along the lines of "I really don't like being touched and I'd appreciate it a lot if you don't touch me unless I initiate it." Try to say it with a smile.

How do you say no to someone touching you?

Explain yourself. Explain that you don't like touch and if possible how it makes you feel (uncomfortable, unhappy etc). Say something like: 'I don't mean to be rude but personally I don't like to be touched. It makes me uncomfortable. I'd really appreciate it if you'd remember that'. Also use distancing behaviours.

What to say to someone who touches you inappropriately?

Ask the Person To Stop

The first step is to immediately tell the person who touched you that their behavior is unwanted. It's your right to protect your personal space, even if you just want them to stop hovering over you or shaking your hand.

How do you address inappropriate touching?

Talk to the person. If you feel safe doing so, talk to the person who touched you inappropriately. Explain that the touching makes you uncomfortable and that you wish him or her to cease. Sometimes, a perpetrator does not realize how his or her actions are being perceived.

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37 related questions found

What can I say instead of so touching?

Some common synonyms of touching are affecting, impressive, moving, pathetic, and poignant. While all these words mean "having the power to produce deep emotion," touching implies arousing tenderness or compassion.

What is a word for not touched?

flawless intact spotless unaffected unbroken unconcerned undamaged unharmed unimpressed unmoved unscathed. Weak matches.

What word can I use instead of touch?

verb
  • feel.
  • caress.
  • kiss.
  • embrace.
  • grasp.
  • hug.
  • grip.
  • hold.

What is a word for gently touching?

Definitions of caress. verb. touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner. “He caressed her face” synonyms: fondle.

Is it OK to tell someone not to touch you?

If somebody wants to hug you, kiss you, or touch your body, you can always tell them no. It's not OK for ANYONE to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable — even if they are older or in charge, like your teacher. You can always say no to any touch that makes you feel unsafe.

How do you say no in a nice way?

The following phrases can be useful for politely refusing something that doesn't sound like a good fit.
  1. “This isn't something I'm comfortable with.”
  2. “I'm going to take a step back at this point.”
  3. “I don't think I'm the best person to take this on.”
  4. “I appreciate the opportunity, but it's not the right fit for me.”

How to respond when someone touches you?

If someone, even an adult, tries to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, you have the right to stand up for yourself and tell them “No!” and asking them to stop.

How do you say no to unwanted touch?

Teach children that “You are the boss of your body.”

Let your children know that they are in control of who touches their bodies and how. Model this for children: “I don't want you to jump up and down on me. Please stop.” Likewise, immediately respect their wishes not to be touched in certain ways.

How do you tell someone to stay in touch?

Keep it brief and add an invitation to keep in touch

Most keep in touch emails should only be a few lines long, as the message is usually most effective when it is delivered directly. Briefly state your reasons for writing, and then include an open invitation to continue communicating in the future.

Why does it bother me when someone touches me?

Low confidence: Feeling vulnerable and exposed by physical closeness. Past trauma: Touch associated with negative experiences and triggers anxieties. Sensory issues: Touch can feel overwhelming or unpleasant due to neurological differences. Personal boundaries: Strong preference for personal space and autonomy.

What is a word for touch me not?

Synonyms for Touch-me-not
  • celandine. n.
  • sensitive plant. n.
  • humble plant. n.
  • jewelweed. n.
  • impatiens.
  • orange balsam. n.
  • shrinking violet.
  • balsam.

What do you call a person who touches a lot?

adjective. If you describe someone as tactile, you mean that they tend to touch other people a lot when talking to them. The children are very tactile with warm, loving natures.

What do you call a sexless?

asexual, androgynous, neuter, hermaphrodite. More Synonyms of sexless.

What do you call a person that doesn't like to be touched?

Haphephobia (haf-uh-FOE-bee-uh) is an intense, overwhelming fear of being touched. Many people don't like being touched by strangers. But haphephobia is significant distress over being touched by anyone, even family or friends. For some people, the fear is specific to touch by people of one gender.

What is one word for not affectionate?

unaffectionate Add to list Share. Someone who's unaffectionate is cold, unemotional, or unfriendly. If you were hoping for a cuddly pal, you might be a little disappointed in your unaffectionate guinea pig. You can also call an unaffectionate person aloof.

How do you tell someone to stop touching you nicely?

It can be as simple as saying something like, “Hey, not now” or “I'm not ready for that.” You could even just say, “Please don't do that. You're making me uncomfortable.” Your boyfriend needs to respect you and move at a pace that you are comfortable with.

What is a fancy word for touch?

Strong matches. blow, brush, caress, collision, contingence, crash, cuddling, embrace, feel, fondling, graze, grope, handling, hit, hug, impact, junction, kiss, lick, manipulation, nudge, palpation, pat, peck, perception, percussion, petting, push, rub, rubbing, scratch, shock, stroking, tap, touching. Weak match.

What does emotionally touching mean?

: having a strong emotional effect : causing feelings of sadness or sympathy. Their story was deeply/very touching. [=moving]