Question for Ladies (though guys imput is welcome too ;)

Background: I used to be a pretty well-built girl - not fat at all, but muscular and solid. In the last 6 months, due to a combination of medication and stress I have dropped a good amount of weight - nearly 20 lbs, although it doesn't look like that much because some of the loss is muscle.  I have always gotten along well with pretty much everyone, including coworkers.

My issue is that recently, my male coworkers have gotten really touchy. My boss at my one job has taken to patting me on the shoulder and back, two coworkers (the only two male ones who aren't significantly younger than me) have done the same - one has started hugging me and coming up behind me and putting an arm around my shoulders, the other has started putting a hand on my shoulder/back. At my other job, both my bosses (its a small family owned restaurant) have started doing the same, particularly the hand on the back and shoulder thing.

Its not that it bothers me in particular, i just find it odd. And I'm really not a touchy person, so I'm definitely not giving off the hug-me vibe (or at least if i am its accidental and brand-new). Does anyone have any insight into this? Anyone else with similar experiences? And can any guys explain this?

i'm not exactly sure what the first paragraph has to do with your question... but if you're uncomfortable with your co-workers hugging you/putting their arms around you, you have to say something. 

it doesn't have to be mean.  something as simple as telling them that hugs make you feel uncomfortable should work just fine.  or tell them that you're not a touchy-feeling type person, so by them hugging you is making you uncomfortable

It may be that since youve lost muscle you have become subconsiously more feminine to these men, it may be that they are now subconsiously attracted to you OR that the way they percieve you has changed causing them to act this way.

You mention that you have been stressed out alot, has this affected the way you have acted recently? Perhaps your co-workers have noticed this and it is their way of giving you suport.

Ah sorry... I wasnt clear. Oops. Because the timing of this conincided with me being thinner, I was wondering if they were related. Or if its something else entirely.

And its not that I'm uncomfortable, exactly, I just thing its weird. Its not a big deal Ii guess just thought I'd bring it up

I can just as easily see it being related to your stress level (and maybe your need for medication) - you are less upbeat, maybe and they are instinctively being more comforting?

Windra: you could be right about the feminine thing... and although I would like to say no, I have not acted differently... its definitely possible. I try to act the same all the time but i realize that I probably dont... even if its just looking stressed.

If you are uncomfortable with the touching, DEFINITELY SAY SOMETHING. Liek someone else said it doesn't have to be mean but let it be know that you prefer them not touch you. Sometimes people don't know they are crossing boundaries until someone lets them know it. If it doesn't stop then, go to your supervisor/manager.

Just innocent foreplay (ha, ha).

I'm like you, I'm not a real touchy person in the office. I just think work should be a none touching place (unless you or someone else is under the desk).

It could be because they see you as really hot, or your character is very comfortable to be around. I have a female friend from work that I will have drinks with now  and then, when leaving the bar, I'll pat her on her shoulder.

i agree that touching/hugging/general increase in innocent office "gestures" are just innappropriate.

I, a while back before I had my little one...lost 30 pounds and two dress sizes.  I did this to get my body in shape for pregnancy one day (happened sooner then I thought).  What I can tell you is that i had more attention from the guys in my office more then ever and I 100% think it was the weight loss. 

I suggest stepping back slightly when your coworkers approach.  If they come up from behind turn and say "I don't think so".  Say anything that will let them know that you think their gestures are inappropriate. 

I know they will give you funny looks but they will get the message and give you some space.