Physical Contact

 I've always been kind of a claustrophobic person. I don't like being in small spaces and I don't like being around lots of people. Lately at work I've been having problems with people touching me without my permission. Like, it's not sexual harassment because it's not like these people are touching me in a sexually inappropriate way. It doesn't have the same implications of sexual harassment because it's not like it's a way for someone to exert some sort of power over me. It's just a lot of hands on my shoulder or unwanted hugs. I don't know a polite way to get people to stop making physical contact with me.

I talked to HR but they were quick to classify this as sexual harassment even though I made it perfectly clear it's not. 

I understand that these coworkers and my boss are displaying affection toward me and I really appreciate the sentiment behind them. But, I don't know how to tell them that I don't like how they display these feelings. When I've tried in the past, people always want an explanation for why I don't want physical contact. It's frustrating because I feel like I shouldn't have to tell them why I don't want to do something. It should be enough that I just don't want to. 

I feel like consent extends far beyond just the restraints of romantic and sexual interactions. Consent is about respecting personal boundaries and comfort zones. Consent is about being able to communicate when you are uncomfortable with something that is going on without fearing judgement or interpersonal repercussions.