This morning, I went to a church that pretty much has all the Stuff Christians Like. I won't even go into what all those things are because, a.) that would be just mean, and b.) you can just click on the above link and see for yourself.
Anyhow, I don't attend this church regularly and so was a little...annoyed when the pastor did that whole, "Before you sit down, why don't you say hello to someone around you!" in a way too excited for 9 a.m. kind of voice. He also shouts his entire sermons, but that's another topic entirely.
I spot the very interesting (read: strange), VERY charasmatic older man two pews in front of me coming towards my pew. We had just done 25 minutes of very loud worship songs (nothing I knew, bummer) and this guy had been Going. At. It. I'm talking seriously praising Jesus. Jumping, clapping at random times, shaking, lots of "Amen!" and "Yes!", out in the aisle dancing kind of praising Jesus. Which is great for him, I'm not questioning the authenticity of his worship. It's not my style, though, and honestly it was more than a little distracting this particular morning.
So this dude is coming towards me and I watch as he stands in my pew and hugs the two college-age girls behind me. I ready myself, stick my right hand out in front of me, CLEARLY indicating that I am only comfortable with a handshake from this utter and complete stranger, brother in Christ though he may be.
Homeskillet bypasses my hand and goes for the full frontal hug.
Am I the only person bothered by this? Just checking...
I am a very delicate flower from the "Touch Me Not" family. I have no reason to embrace anyone who does not nor has not shared a last name with me. The only exceptions are dear collegiate or high school friends who I have not seen in a long while, or perhaps during condolences. One time a darling girl who I worked with tried to hug me in thanks for teacher her a secret "tidbit" when dealing with formulas on an Excel spreadsheet...to which I SCREECHED that any favor done in the work force does not warrant an embrace!
ReplyDeleteewwwwwwwwww..... who isn't uncomfortable with the stranger full on frontal? gross!
ReplyDeleteps. glad you updated. been missin my daily dose!
Um, yeah, count me in...
ReplyDeleteErf. I was embarrassed about kissing my husband at our wedding, so the interaction you're describing is off-the-charts uncomfortable for me. For the record, I pulled the handshake move at our wedding and my husband? He got the cue and shook my hand. Also - how good is the Tift Merritt album! I've been listening to it non-stop.
ReplyDeleteYeah...gross.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm with you on the distracting worship thing. I don't mind a little boogie down time during worship...don't mind some hands in the air...but one time at *a church we were visiting* a girl literally was running up and down the aisle with her hands in the air. DISTRACTING.