A guy was following me + trying to talk to me last night (after dark) and I was clearly uncomfortable/not into it + after asking me a few questions he literally caught himself and said “wait, am I making you uncomfortable? I’m so sorry I’ll leave you alone” and walked away https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🥺" title="Pleading face" aria-label="Emoji: Pleading face">https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👏" title="Applaus-Zeichen" aria-label="Emoji: Applaus-Zeichen">

Like this man was drunk af + still caught himself appearing scary and removed himself as a threat and y’all this got me literally so emotional I can’t explain

And let me clarify: he didn’t come across as a super scary dude- he was just shooting his shot. I get that. BUT any guy following me down the street talking to me after dark does raise certain flags because I’ve been followed and it’s scary af

But never once have I showed uncomfort and had a man notice and check himself and then leave me alone. It seems small and honestly the bare minimum, but that’s never happened.

Not all dudes are bad and scary and this thread really isn’t trying to say that. A man can be perfectly kind and nice but certain situations regardless are a more intimidating (esp. at night in the dark) and scary experience for women to be approached.

It just comes from pure genetics- I can’t fight off a fully grown man. Physically it’s just not as likely I’d be able to defend myself if I needed to. Just a disadvantage based on the female body.

All of this to say- to the men who regularly check themselves in those situations to see how they appear, thank you.

Even if you’re not a bad dude, just read the room. Your good intentions can still be a scary experience. That’s all. https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="❤️" title="Rotes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Rotes Herz">