I am very similar to you. I used to jump off the examining table at the MD's office when touched. They had never seen anything like it.

As a youth, my mother told me that she did not believe in hugs and would never touch me. She told me that touch was not necessary. I believed her. Did something similar also happen to you? Were you often threatened with physical discipline? Fear of physical discipline may result in fear of being touched.

Were you told not to let others touch you when you were a child to prevent you from being sexually molested? If so, maybe you misunderstood it too literally. Some touch - like a hug - is safe. Now that you are older, you can identify what is safe touch and what is unsafe touch. A child is not able to easily discern this and is instructed to avoid touch, especially with strangers. Now that you're older, it's time to put this teaching into perspective.

I don't like it that your dad treats it as a joke. Bear in mind though that by keeping it light in tone he may also be trying to help you. He may be trying to say that human touch is normal and be trying to help you adjust. He may not be laughing at you; rather, he is trying to deal with the subject in a light way and that may be the only way he knows how. It may appear insensitive but if that is his style then accept it for what it is because, in many ways, this is a very heavy subject to you.

How to overcome the problem? Ask him and others you trust for hugs. By asking for a hug, you are giving permission to touch you in a safe way. It may seem awkward at first but it is normal, safe touch. Eventually, though you may feel wary, you will adjust. Try to eventually make a hug part of your normal greeting to your dad, grandparents, close friends, etc. I hope this helps.