Thanks as for the story. If you get home sick easily then it is what it is.
The best way to handle it before it can become a problem is to just keep space between you and them. Otherwise it can turn into a problem you don't want to have. Sometimes they can be considerably aggressive.
I was in Thailand minding my business and enjoying a cold one while sitting in a booth with some friends and there was just a small bit of room next to me in the booth. A woman sits next to me, tries to undo my pants and I had to push her on the floor. It sucks but sometimes you've just gotta let them to know you don't want to be bothered.