A pat on the shoulder is often seen as a gesture used to comfort or console someone, it can also be used to get someone’s attention if they can not hear you at the time. This is a normal gesture, though it only really happens when said person seems stressed or they can not hear the other person, as afforementioned.
Keeping this in consideration, is a pat on the back condescending?
It’s true that in the repertoire of touching methods, “patting” acquaintances is a better option than “stroking,” “smacking” or “pinching,” and there are certain scenarios in which patting someone on the back or shoulder is entirely acceptable.
Herein, is tapping a shoulder assault?
Realistically, nobody walks around with a glass shoulder, police seldom charge someone for just tapping someone on the shoulder to get their attention, although they could. The point here is that one need not really attack someone to be charged with assault and battery.
Is touching someone’s shoulder OK?
Keep a light touch
By contrast, Smith says, “anything that’s prolonged is going to become more of an issue.” This might include resting a hand on another person’s shoulder or squeezing the upper part of their arm. And definitely don’t touch any part of a co-worker’s body that’s not their arms, shoulders, or upper back.
What does it mean when a guy pats your back?
This affectionate gesture signifies that your guy cares deeply about you. “The back is a very vulnerable part of the body,” Wood says. “You can’t see your back, so being touched there can be startling.” Softly rubbing you on such an exposed zone shows that he wants to nurture and protect you.