Congrats to Dear Abby for this clever answer:
DEAR ABBY: I am a young woman in my 20s who, while very friendly, is funny about being touched. I am extremely uncomfortable when people outside my immediate family hug me, rub my shoulders or place a hand on my back or arm. Yet somehow, people tend to do this with me.
How can I express my discomfort without sounding antisocial or mean? I’d appreciate your advice. — TOUCHY SUBJECT
DEAR TOUCHY SUBJECT: Do it with humor. Say, “If you do that again, you’ll have to marry me!” It should work with members of both sexes, depending upon the state you live in.
Subtly cool. Go (daughter of) Abby!
I’m not so sure this is the greatest advice. What if the toucher considers the suggested response a proposal?