Long story short, my son is 19 months and has always been super cautious around adults. He does not like being in close contact (hugs, kisses, being held) with anybody except for a few people (me, his little cousins, his dad, and his grandpa).

We live in a house with my son, my boyfriend, and my boyfriends family that includes his two sisters, two little kids, grandpa, and brother along with his brothers partner. My son for some reason has always had fearfulness when it comes to my boyfriends brother and my boyfriends mom. We get him to “high-five” instead of giving him a hug, but they don’t respect it and will frequently pull his arm so he comes closer and hug and kiss him anyway. My son starts crying hysterically as always. My boyfriends brother always says “I don’t care if he cries I’m going to hug him anyway, haha”.

I want my son to be respected and nobody seems to understand why he isn’t open and affectionate like his other cousins. I try to explain that’s just the way he is and we have to respect him, but they don’t listen and it’s honestly making me angry. It’s like they think just because he’s young personal space and respect doesn’t seem to matter.

Has anyone been in this situation? And no my son does not have autism, he’s just fearful of certain people.

Thanks!