I was just going over a post I presented about how retailers manipulated our shopping senses. One way to persuade our subconscious to buy more/tip more was to touch a customer on the shoulder or hand. I've read something like this in other studies and now I notice when the check comes and a shoulder is touched and there's a smiley face next to the server's name that they've read the same study. (Good for them! :-> *my tip jar's on the right*wink*wink*)
Now, I am a touching person. When I talk with someone I am naturally inclined to touch them on the arm or, if they've said something funny, I might lightly - lightly - hit their arm. Playful is what I'm going for, not an injury as in 'How dare you make me laugh!' I have always been someone that physically connects. I know that every situation doesn't call for a literal personal touch, and I do my best to refrain on most occasions, but this reminded me of the last time I was at an airport going through the security check line...
I do not enjoy flying. And when I have to fly alone it brings my stress level up beyond what's comfortable. I was doing my best to visualize my goal - I was meeting Rob in Oakland, CA and we were driving to the Napa Valley for the weekend. Dreamy. As I was winding through the airport security check-in line I was looking at everything and everyone around me. How are we doin'? We OK? Everyone feelin' good? Looks good. OK. My turn to go through inspection.
I take off all my clothes... no, not really. I take off the jacket, shoes and scarf and put those along with my purse through the x-ray machine. I have nothing in my bag to be concerned with but I worry - about everything! Then comes my time to get x-ray'ed. "Hands up, please", the security officer says. Within these seconds I know she is seeing me pretty much naked on the screen. Great.
My close-up is over and she asks me to step out of the machine. When I do I turn to her and ask "Does that machine show you my weight too?" ha ha - I'm hilarious - and I hit her on the arm.
I repeat - I hit a TSA Security Official on the arm.
I'm not sure what came over me. I, I, um. I smiled. I looked her in the eye hoping she is registering that I am just a nervous flyer, not someone trying to take her down. She calmly, and with slight irritation, said "Go get your things". Yes Ma'am. Yes Ma'am!
There is a time and a place for a literal personal touch. The airport security check-in is not one of those places you wish to have one.
I made it on the plane, Boarding Group B, position 21 - 30. First order of business? Bloody Mary please! Ah, the joy I have of flying.
How are you with flying? Calm, do you enjoy it? Or, do we have something in common - apart from hitting a TSA Official, that is.