“the first time I brushed it off as part of a crowded train environment or a random thing”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

This morning on the red line I sat beside a medium tall-ish, dark-haired, middle-aged man with a briefcase, who proceeded (while sitting) to continue holding either side of his case, which in turn made his left hand keep brushing against my upper thigh. I was against the window, so didn’t have much room, but I kept scooting away from him and giving him pointed looks that clearly indicated discomfort. If his hands were just sitting there, that may have been one thing, but I could feel his fingers wiggling against my thigh, which made me extremely uncomfortable.

I thought about saying something, but I didn’t. I really regret that. If the guy is innocently oblivious, he needs to know how uncomfortable his hands made me. If he’s not so innocent, people need to be made aware of this. This is actually the second time this has happened with this same man, but the first time I brushed it off as part of a crowded train environment or a random thing. However, after this morning I feel rather violated, and wish I had said something. I’ve never dealt with anything like this before, and I’m wondering if others have experienced the same thing?”