Drew Barrymore thinks Martha Stewart's playful shove during their interview was just that—playful—despite the internet mistaking it for her new 'no-touch' interview policy gone awry.

In a classic case of miscommunication, Drew Barrymore defended her cozy encounter with Martha Stewart during a recent episode of 'The Drew Barrymore Show,' stating that the internet's interpretation of a benign shove as a breach of her laughter-tinged 'no-touch' policy is both exaggerated and entertainingly off-the-mark. Barrymore, who previously harbored fears that Stewart didn’t like her, has since experienced a breakthrough, believing the domestic diva does have a fondness for her—even if it comes with some light shoving.

The incident in question occurred during a November episode that could easily be confused for a feisty cooking show clip as Stewart quipped, "You’re the wrong gender," in her signature dry style. Barrymore, known for her touching and emotional interviewing approach, certainly didn't see that punchline coming. One can only hope that the episode didn't come with a recipe for disaster, though Barrymore's instinctive reaction might suggest otherwise.

In her defense of the moment, Barrymore clarified, "I think Martha was just joking around." It seems this light-hearted exchange between two powerful women was misunderstood by the internet, primarily comprised of people ready to jump on any perceived awkwardness faster than Martha can whip up a soufflé. Apparently, the internet has perfected the art of reading subtext into every interaction, which may or may not serve anyone in daily conversation—something Barrymore is evidently trying to avoid.

Before the interview took place, Barrymore had imagined a different scenario: one where Martha Stewart, the undisputed queen of aesthetic home disasters and scones, harbored some level of disdain for her. Post-interview, Barrymore declares she has broken through this mental barrier, which perhaps should be celebrated with a congratulatory cupcake. She now believes Stewart genuinely likes her, even if it is mingled with a hint of physical comedy.

This breakthrough comes on the heels of Barrymore’s self-awareness regarding her previous interview habits, which included some colorful—and heavily critiqued—incidents of overly eager physicality. That time she got too close for comfort with Oprah Winfrey still lingers in the air like an over-baked pie. Reflecting on the response to her hug-heavy approach, Barrymore acknowledged the need to keep her distance, particularly in a post-pandemic world. Yet in her heartfelt flotation devices of empathy, she seems to test the waters of personal space.

Indeed, Barrymore had announced her intention to practice a 'no-touch' interview strategy following backlash from viewers who found her sometimes overbearing physical style discomfiting. Critics noted her habit of entering into guests’ personal bubbles without so much as a warning label. It’s commendable that Barrymore is working to draw lines in the sand, even if she occasionally misjudges those lines, particularly when sharing a stage with an icon like Stewart.

With a smile, Barrymore quipped, "I’m working on keeping a physical distance with guests", a statement that likely drew giggles from her audience. However, a playful jab in the form of Martha Stewart may have jostled her intentions, straddling the fine line between chemistry and calamity. Indeed, the unpredictability of televised conversations often leads to bizarre tangents that leave both hosts and guests pondering their next moves.

Even as Barrymore and Stewart navigate their own comedic strategy of public interaction, one can’t help but wonder if a cooking segment together might follow, ideally testing the limits of their comfort zones and audience sensibilities. Who knows? Perhaps they could premiere a new line of touchless kitchen utensils, perfectly designed for social-distanced culinary artists who still want to say, "You’re the wrong gender"—or at least giggle about it from afar.

As Drew Barrymore takes her self-imposed 'no-touch' ideology for a spin, it remains to be seen how far these policies stretch or bend during her lively but sometimes chaotic interviews. With her emotional style still integrating physical comedy, the balance is delicate yet undeniably entertaining. After all, in the world of daytime television, a little friendly shoving might just be the seasoning they never knew they needed.