Carolyn Hax: Please Stop Rubbing My Leg

[cereta]

Hi, Carolyn:

I was recently out to dinner to celebrate with a close friend who has been treated for breast cancer and has received a clean bill of health. She included her live-in boyfriend in the celebration.

I noticed he was bumping my leg. I simply moved out of way the first and second times. After the third bump, I realized he was intentionally rubbing my leg. I had to move about five times.

I have socialized with the two of them on many occasions and frankly do not have a good impression of him in general. I believe my friend deserves better, but have kept my mouth shut because it's not up to me to comment on her choice of a partner. If it works for her, then I respect that.

But his behavior with me at dinner was personal and therefore has crossed a line with me. I want to tell my friend what happened, but not after she's gone through such a traumatic experience. But I feel keeping silent is a tacit way of protecting him. Should I tell my friend what happened?

-- J.

"Please stop rubbing my leg."

That's what you say. Out loud, at the table, in front of your friend.

No time travel necessary; if he's as bad as you say, then he'll do this or something like it again next time you see them.

The beauty is that "Please stop rubbing my leg" bypasses the whole mental back and forth about your responsibility with respect to your friend's choices -- because "Please stop rubbing my leg" is about your body right now, that's it, and is entirely your responsibility.

You also don't "ha[ve] to move about five times" to help conceal anyone's bad behavior, for anyone. Your friend beat cancer; she'll manage this.

If he responds by feigning ignorance or blaming you, then you stand your ground quietly, calmly and without apology. "Say what you will. I just want you to stop rubbing my leg." Simply leaving also makes a powerful statement.

It just so happens that doing what you need for you will give your friend all the information she needs to make her own decisions -- but that's the bonus, not the point.