Another addition to the list of bad habits that I need to break

Oh, I dunno. I come at this particular issue from exactly the opposite end -- I was raised in a family that was quite cordial (my relationship with my parents is exceptionally good, actually), but very non-touchy. The result is that it took me literally years to even learn to be able to hug friends. It's still difficult for me to touch most people, even though I know that it's necessary for my sanity to do so -- finding the appropriate space is a very non-intuitive process for me, and not an easy one. I have to agree with the sentiments that being a bit "touchy" probably makes you healthier in some respects than most people.

So I wouldn't worry too much about what third parties think. So long as you aren't invading someone's personal space, and the relevant people (eg, your boyfriend) are cool, other peoples' hangups are really exactly that...