@jespah,
My daughter goes to school in Cambridge MA... one of the most liberal cities in the country (maybe the world). As part of the school community I am invited to social parties with the women that my daughter and I refer to as "the Cambridge moms".
These are some of the most liberal, entitled, outraged and politically correct people you will ever meet. You may be happy to know that I keep my mouth shut; after all this is my daughter's school and I behave myself.
These women are awfully touchy feely, they will put their hands on your shoulder in an almost cliched accepting way. In this group of people who take offense at a lot of things... no one takes offense at this.
I don't know how touch deprived anyone else on this thread is. But it many communities, even liberal communities, social human touch is a normal part of the culture.
Maybe touching someone on shoulder or upper back to show care or acceptance is a crime. It shouldn't be. It is sad if we get to the point where we are afraid of human touch.