Since my pregnancy began, I have had more than one advance toward my ever-growing belly. Relatives and strangers alike have been shooed away by my lioness talons. Eighty percent of women have had their pregnant belly touched without an invitation at some point. Some women love the attention, others like me avoid the belly-rub at all cost.
I've done some soul-searching to figure out why. Firstly, I've discovered that no one likes to be reminded of weight gain....no matter how miraculous in nature. My belly bump is also small and undeveloped---most people still insist that I don't look my 6 months pregnant. I am not a buddha, but that's how I feel. Although I am lucky, I'm pretty sure rubbing my expanding waistline will not grant you any wishes.
Secondly, I am a very affectionate person, but if you don't sleep in my bed I tend to reduce that touching to your arm, shoulder or maybe a head pat. My personal space is important to me. The area between my armpits and my who-ha are off limits, according to Mr. Gosier, who in Kindergarten told us not to let anyone touch us where our bathing suit covered. It is, after all still my body...I know I am merely a host....but I am still a person.
Which brings me to number three. I am still a person. A person going through an identity crisis, but a person, nonetheless. Its as if because of my ever-growing belly, I no longer exist.
Fourthly, and perhaps most burning within me is that I'm practicing my new mommy skills, and I know this. I am very aware that there is a baby in my belly. I feel her moving all the time. This brings out a lioness within me, with talons blazing! The urge to protect and nurture is very much a part of my life, even if the little bugger is still en utero.
So if you please, refrain from touching my belly unless you ask or have been invited. It's not meant to be offensive...or weird. Its just part of who I am.
And watch out you die-hards---I might just reach over and rub your belly! :)
