Should I Feel Violated?

Last week a very good friend of mine, “E” was moving into a new apartment with his girlfriend and another guy I know, “C.” I volunteered to help because I have a truck. I ended helping C, because most of E and his girlfriend’s things were already at the apartment. The moving didn’t take very long and since we were all already at the apartment we decided to hang out.
E and his girlfriend went to bed around 10:30, so C and I were left alone. I didn’t really want to leave yet, so we watched a movie. While it was playing C came and lay down behind me (we were on a coach). This initially didn’t bother me because I’ve known him forever and it seemed harmless. After we’d been lying like this for a while he started rubbing my hand, back, and arm, and he even attempted to hold my hand. I was extremely uncomfortable and didn’t know what to do, but I was eventually able to get away and go home.
This event seems completely harmless and nothing really happened. But I feel completely violated. Not sexually violated (which I’m sure would be 100% worse), but emotionally violated. I really don’t know what to do and I thought this would be the place for advice.

Disclaimer: This post was written by a Feministing Community user and does not necessarily reflect the views of any Feministing columnist, editor, or executive director.

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