arjnex,

I don't doubt that she may very well be experiencing perimenopause, many women do. Try to get over your fear of communicating with her though (in the moment). It's a tough thing to do...but you can do it. It's certainly not out of line to ask simple questions to gather information...especially since she's dealing with something completely foreign to you. It's good info to have to know where it's ok to touch her, especially during hot flashes etc.....and IMPO as a woman, from my perspective it would show consideration from you as to you trying to avoid doing something she would find irritating Also, learn her signs of hot flashes....then try to do things to help cool her off....cool drinks, a fan (those little battery operated ones my mom just loves!) stuff like that.

GEL

Well behaved women rarely ever make history!