Why Are you Touching Me? by Jehanzeb W. Khan

I remember my first time sitting on a Metro in Sevilla, and I couldn't help but be amazed as to how closely people would sit and stand next to each other. I mean, obviously when the Metro is busy, it is busy, what are you going to do...but even when it isn't that busy? Goodness!

I use the metro twice a week, and each time I get on in the morning (at around 7:30am) I probably feel at least 20 other people's hands, bodies, and even their breathing against my own body. That's kind of gross huh?

I can imagine seeing someone back in my home state of Colorado, riding the light rail, and seeing something similar happen to them...and they would probably have a very adverse reaction...and with good reason, right? I mean, especially when it comes to going from point A to point B...you aren't really wanting no asking for someone to interact with you, let alone get all up in your business! Not in Spain.

I don't find it a matter of a lack of privacy, but more so about a more open sense of comfortability with a fellow human. I think a lot about my interactions with other Spanish folks, whether that be my host family or even total strangers...and how close they like to get when they talk to me. Especially when I interact with women from Spain, they never fail to offer me besos. Even things as simple as a touch on my shoulder or on my arm during conversation, which is VERY abnormal in the States, is not only normal here, but kind of comforting!

I have some friends who do not like getting touched by other people or receiving hugs at ALL...and to each their own. As I see it, not even a hug, but a simple touch, maybe even by a complete stranger on a Metro, is a warm reminder of the humanity that we have the pleasure of experiencing each and everyday. In my time here in Spain, I have come to appreciate those little moments and interactions I have with others. And to be quite honest, it makes being here feel a little bit more like a home.