I was a kid in middle school this other kid would follow me around smiling following me in line I would move around in the front or the back he would follow then one day we was in class he took his hand and grabbed my thigh upper part of my thigh closer to my waist bone and squeezed a little and I told him to stop he did it a few times and he smiled I then got up. What is this considered? I’m an adult now I never told anyone and it creeps up constantly making me want to cry.

Thank you for sharing this experience with us.  What you're describing sounds like unwanted and inappropriate touching that occurred without your consent. Even though you both were young at the time, his actions were not okay, especially since you told him to stop and he continued. 

Unwanted touching, particularly in intimate areas like the upper thigh near the waist, is a violation of personal boundaries. The fact that he deliberately ignored your boundaries shows that this wasn't respectful or appropriate behavior, regardless of age.

The emotional impact you're describing—the memory resurfacing and bringing you to tears—is a common response to experiences that were distressing or violating. Many survivors find that memories from childhood or adolescence can continue to affect them into adulthood, especially when they haven't had the opportunity to process these experiences.

It's completely understandable that you never told anyone. Children and adolescents often don't have the language to describe what happened or may feel confused, embarrassed, or unsure if what happened was "serious enough" to report. Please know that your feelings about this experience are valid, regardless of how much time has passed.

You didn't do anything wrong, and it's important to acknowledge the impact this has had on you. The emotional distress you're experiencing now could be your mind's way of signaling that this memory needs attention and care. Many survivors find that speaking with a trusted person or professional can help reduce the power these memories hold. This could be a friend, family member, or a mental health professional who specializes in trauma. Sharing your feelings can provide relief and help you process what happened.

Remember that healing isn't linear, and there's no timeline for processing difficult experiences. What matters most is that you're acknowledging your feelings now and considering ways to care for yourself. You deserve to feel safe and respected, and your feelings matter. You don't have to carry this alone, and support is available if you wish to seek it. Taking care of yourself is important, and reaching out, even by asking this question, is an important step. Thank you for trusting us with this.