Would this be considered offensive?

Question

ok. i'm slightly worried about something that probably is nothing because i worry a lot lol.

i was helping my team mate at work put up shelves. she was asking me to stand behind her to see if she had the shelf even. i had someone talking to me from my walkie talkie, i had someone talking in my other ear, and i was flustered and couldn't get directions out 'left, right', that kind of thing, and when she asked me what side i lightly tapped her on the shoulder and said this side. i'm not a touchy feel-y person outside my family because i know there's a thin line, and i apologized to her later i was like 'sorry, didn't mean to touch you but i got flustered and couldn't get the words out'.

do you think that lightly tapping someone on the shoulder like that could be considered offensive or am i worrying too much?

thanks if you could understand my question if you read this far !!

Answer 1

I think you are worrying too much! I don't think she was offended, or at least she should not have been. Now had you smacked her in the behind to tell her what direction to go there would be a reason to feel guilty!

Answer 2

Not even the most uptight person would be offended by that. so don't worry about it.  I don't like being touched at work or by aquaintances  but, this dosn't count at all as a violation of personal space or work conduct. If she didn't anwser you it's because she probably didn't really know what you were apologizing for.  

Answer 3

forget about it its like nothing! as long as she was ok with it

Answer 4

If anyone thinks a tap on the shoulder is offensive then they have mental problems. No you weren't out of line.

Answer 5

I think it would depend on culture as much as anything. There is so much fuss made (in my opinion) about touching people, it has made for a very cold society. On the other hand, some people are not happy to be touched by anyone... ever!

If it were me, I wouldn't be offended. It sounds like you were being overloaded and you responded to her in the best way you could, given the circumstances. I think it would have been worse if you had not responded to her question at all. In the end, if she was okay with it, you should be too.