Why Do Some People Hate Being Touched?

Some people feel uncomfortable when others touch them because it feels like an invasion. Imagine you're playing with your toys, and someone grabs one without asking, that might make you upset or even scared. For some people, being touched is like this: it feels sudden and unexpected, and they don’t have time to get ready for it.

When we are touched, our brain gets busy processing all the signals from our skin, like when your hand touches a hot stove, you pull away quickly. If something happens too fast or too often, it can feel overwhelming. That's why some people want more space between them and others.