You Don't Owe Them A Touch
You don’t owe them a kiss, a hug or a handshake. No, you don’t owe them a touch.
You don’t owe it to a stranger, a friend, a family member or a lover. No, you don’t owe them a touch.
You don’t even owe it to a teacher, a boss or spiritual leader. No, you don’t owe them a touch.
It doesn’t matter if they paid for you, gave to you or made a way for you. You don’t owe them a touch.
It doesn’t matter if they are caring, generous or kind. You don't owe them a touch.
It doesn’t matter if they ask for it, expect it or attempt to extract it. You don’t owe them a touch.
In fact, you don’t owe anyone a touch, ever, under any circumstance. Touches are not currency to be payed out or cashed in. Touches are gifts to be given (or accepted) out of your own, enthusiastic, free will; without any sense of obligation or trepidation (1). If someone attempts to make you believe you owe them a touch please know, they are the problem, not you.
-Ashley Easter
Notes and Sources:
(1) Legitimate consent is the presence of an enthusiastic “yes” (verbal or non-verbal) void of manipulation, threats, or head games, not just the absence of a “no”. See, What Consent Looks Like and YesMeansYes: Consent.
