A while back, I followed the raucous fuss, fraying condemnation, and flailing censure of the US Vice President for touching the wife of the new secretary of defence. In fact, here is my pithy conclusion: it has become a strange world.

There were arguments that perhaps he crossed nebulous but fixed acceptable lines. But what is truly acceptable is what poses the intractable problem. While some harmless touches by one person may be construed as acceptable by the one touched or touching, the same may not be said of other touches; or even more, some watching eyes may frown, if not scowl at such touches.

Truly, thinking about the whole issue deeper, it belies what society has become. We have become increasingly cynical, and what should not get us talking is what gets us chattering ad infinitum ad nauseam.

"Touch averse"

In an ideal world, the cited episode will pass without mention. However, we have become a bunch always looking for something to complain about. And when things border on a sexual nature, we are even more fired up. Perhaps our unconsecrated brains are parlously volatile and easily agitated. And here again, this peels off our veneer of sanity and reveals a true representation of a people who continue to contrive to enlarge our sexually deviant society.

Indeed, in times like these, the immediate presumption for almost every situation is to perceive it as guilt-filled until proven innocent, when it should rather be the other way around.

However, this true charge has its roots; yes, there is a reason for this festering malaise. Our touch averse disposition, if we may call it that, is an undesirable destination we have compassed to reach either aided or unaided. Moreover, the increasing revelations about sex scandals and abuses have surely jaundiced our imagination and coloured our judgement. Thus, such guilty-worthy factors which have left us in this fixed morass must rightly take a large part of the blame.

"Practical intelligence"

In view of the foregoing, a very strict policy to avoid touching will be an ideal call. But as to whether such a sound call is practicable is the million dollar conundrum. Let's face it, whether at the work place, at social gatherings or even at church, touch may be difficult to refrain from; and yet, a harmless handshake which seems to linger a second longer may be thought of as an inappropriate solicitous act.

In truth, calling for people to stay away from touching will never be a welcome advice. The protean sensibilities of touchy-feely souls among us may very much be enraged about such brash but still fragrant call. It will never in a million years convince such persons who cannot keep their hands to themselves. But if we are unable to reduce touch to a barest minimum, and even where necessary to avoid any form of contact at all, we must be ready for the criticism that comes with our sweet territory.

Finding a sensible and right balance is never easy in life. Yet, common sense proves a valuable and indispensable asset. Sadly, such practical intelligence available to all appears to have forsaken some.

Nevertheless considering we are social beings, such calls for minimum contact, and even if possible, no contact whatsoever will struggle to win public approval. Repeated and rehearsed calls for such will only be Sisyphean incursions of vital effort, never matched by any significant response or return. To state it succinctly: we love to touch and to be touched!

A gentle and expected touch feels so good. It never diminishes in value. However, it is the seemingly good things in life that many times lend themselves to be corrupted, and hasten our descent through hellish landscapes of discomfort, disillusionment, and disorientation.

After all, the response of people to touch is inherently fickle. Within this shifting perimeter, what may pass in one place may not hold in another. And saying this, a stern advice to men is apropos: Avoid any form of physical contact with a lady if you can; it will save you your reputation. Heed this advice, and you may never get stuck in a web where it will become difficult for you to escape. Yes, for your safety: always maintain flexible judgement that considers time, place, and purpose before touching anyone.

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"Alternative friendliness"

There are many ways to be nice to a person without any form of physical contact, and you must use what seems fitting to you. Always think and explore alternative friendliness options before you touch a person.

Through our contrivances and inventions, our precarious world continues on its same complicated tangent. And in many respects, we contradict ourselves all the time leaving us in a continual flux of uncertain change. And before anyone decides this piece is advocating closed lives, they should perhaps pause and think.

Adjusting for risqué comments and crass conclusions, rarely do employees, for example, get accused and prosecuted for sexual harassment without any form of physical touch. And over here, one person's acted generosity may very well be another's construed and settled irritation. To avoid such uncomfortable situations, keep your hands to yourself! In fact, not just hands, perhaps even your whole body. It may very well save you some undeserved embarrassment.

In essence, the next time you find yourself with another person, whether in public or private, if possible, skip that touch for your own safety. It may prove a sage move on your part. While not the usual norm, failing to explore and implement alternative ways of being courteous, and rather persisting with unnecessary touches may cause your fragile shadow to darken precipitous paths and noisome depths you would have never ever contemplated. You are your best judge.

I shall return with my talking drums!

Angelina K. Morrison is interested in national development, true religion, and self-improvement. She enjoys thinking, and writes stories only when the muse grips her. Her first short story, Gravellatina is a breathtaking five-part gripping series available now at Amazon. You can email her at angelinakm75@gmail.com, or find her at www.angelinakmorrison.wordpress.com or Facebook page.