Alright, so I work in high-end auto-sales. I needed to get a SS# of a guest, so I could determine their pay-off. I go into our accounting office where 3 older women work, handling all the paper-work and such and ask one of these women to open "the files". Now, when I asked her this, I gently placed my hand on her upper back between her shoulder-blades. Just like a do with many friends and others. No big deal right? Wrong...

So this women immediately says, "Why is your hand on my back?"

To which I reply, "Ummmmm... Just being friendly." (I'm from IA and this is in NY, btw. If you've lived in both states and know the differences, you will understand why that is relevant).

And she simply replies, "It's inappropriate." And blankly stares forward, straight-faced.

I remove my hand and kinda just stood there in shock... Like, seriously???

So now, here I am stewing over this in my office and posting about it to Reddit. And the irony has dawned on me, that this women has probably already completely forgotten about this incident (which just happened maybe 15 min ago). Yet, it has ruined my day and my productivity. Ironically, I am the one who feels offended... Am I wrong to think this? I feel like I am a very polite and respectable guy and I was just treated like a potential-predator or something.

EDIT: Just wanted to say I fucking love you guys here at TRP! You always respond quickly, are supportive and don't bullshit! I'm very glad I found this sub.

EDIT 2: Because a few dumbasses have made their way into this post, allow me to clarify that I am not advocating for "touching in the workplace". And, I have never had an issue with this prior to moving to NY. (Have lived all over the country). I'm simply pointing out the absurdity of what we consider "inappropriate" in the workplace today. I understand the concept of keeping hands to yourself, but this is different. It was almost automatic and simply carried no intention of malice, inappropriateness, dominance, flirtatiousness, or anything of the like. It was a common gesture, that meant nothing... Nothing, unless you are a SJW looking for any excuse to cry foul!