A pregnant belly is NOT public property!

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First off, I'm not prude or cold or unfeeling. I hug and kiss special friends and family when I see them. I've been known to put my hand on an arm or shoulder or even leg when talking to someone. I have never minded being touched in the same manner. Until I got pregnant. I notice it the first time I was pregnant, 8 years ago. I was mostly around men at my work and most of them were like big brothers or uncles. As soon as I started showing, they would come over and pat my belly. It really didn't bother me that much, because it was normally a pat on the head before then. This time, as soon as I told ANYONE that I was pregnant, their hands went to my belly. I wasn't even showing but they insisted on that little touch. I had only known some of my new co-workers a month or so, yet they thought this was ok. I didn't really want to make waves at work, so I grinned and dealt with it. Once I started showing, it was as if I had a big neon sign above my head. I swear when I walk out of my house, that it starts flashing, "Pregnant woman, come rub her belly!" It was ok when my nurse did it... she was just happy for me and glad I was finally showing. I didn't mind when my nieces did it, they are young and it's cute coming from them... or from my daughter. I don't even mind when my mother does it, I know how thrilled she is about this baby. I love it when hubby does it... he gets such a proud look on his face. But everyone else... I absolutely mind!! They are annoying me to no end! I go out with friends and the first thing they do is hug me and pat the belly at the same time! "Ohhhh, I'm so excited for you!" they squeal. It doesn't end there though... they seem to touch my belly every 30 minutes or so. It's like they think I'm a good luck charm and they need to keep doing it. I walk into a grocery store and little old ladies I've never seen before come up to me. They say "Oh, you lucky young lady!" and go to pay my belly. I have to turn to grab something off a shelf to stop them. I went to the library and was browsing through the bookshelves of Dean Koontz and this middle-aged woman came out of nowhere. She streamlines right for me and says. "When are you due? Is this you first?" Is it a boy or girl?" All the time, staring at my stomach like it is going to open up right there and show the baby for her. After I answer all the questions that are none of her business, I relax as she turns to leave. She then turns back and says. "Best of luck to you!" and she manages to pat my belly. Grrrr... I let my guard down... she caught me. As the weather gets nicer, I know that I will be venturing outside my "no-strangers-touching-my-belly" zone more often. I also know that before this child is born in July, I will probably end up smacking the hands of some sweet, kind, well-meaning old ladies. I apologize in advance... but it IS my belly!! Keep your hands off!!