There are a lot of “socially acceptable” things that people do that are high key really not okay. And I’m not even talking about putting pineapple on pizza.
From unwanted physical touch to phrases that make us feel unsafe, a lot of these behaviors are passed off as ‘normal’ because we don’t speak out and start conversations about them.
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The women of the internet recently took to Reddit to share the creepiest, yet also most normalized, things that men do in social settings. Chances are you’ll really relate to all of these—and not in a good way.
Life Imitates Art
“I have a large tattoo on my shoulder,” this woman shares. “And I’ve had several men come up from behind, and move my tank top strap and bra strap to see it better. It’s been mostly in grocery stores and Lowe’s of all places.”
Baby Got Back
“Putting their hands on your thigh or back casually while talking to you,” this person writes. “If I’m being friendly it’s not a signal for you to touch me. Far too many co-workers, creepy uncles, etc. find this ok!”
Stop In The Name Of Love
“I don’t have air in my car but it’s so hot where I live so my windows are always down,” one person writes. “When I come to a red light men try to talk to me from their vehicles and it makes me wildly uncomfortable because I obviously can’t get away.”
I’ll Be Watching You
“When I am walking down the sidewalk and men follow me slowly in a car while trying to talk to me,” this woman reveals. “I hate this.”
A First Time For Everything
“When strange men approach me and start asking personal questions like we’re on a first date,” one woman shared.
Say Cheese!
“When they tell you to smile,” one person writes. “It used to make me really uncomfortable, now I just grin maniacally at them.”
First Impressions
“Thinking it’s okay to send dick pics by way of introduction,” this person writes. “Maybe I’ll want to see it in real life eventually. But not if you start with a dick pic.”
Handsy
“Grabbing my wrists,” this person shares. “It is a huge ultimate hell no. Wrist control allows you to manipulate the arms and upper body. I’m talking about grappling/wrestling by the way so I guess when you apply it to a real-life situation you’re kind of controlling a person.”
Free Pass
“Gay men who grope you and say ‘it’s ok! I’m gay! I’m not attracted to women at all!’ as if that means it’s okay to grab someone,” this person writes.
Change Of Heart
This convo:
Hey
Hey
Hey
I’m not interested
Screw you, you stupid b**ch.
A Little Belittling
“‘You’re cute when you’re angry’ is the worst thing to say to a woman EVER,” this person reveals.
Goldilocks
“I’ve got curly hair and I’m sick of men thinking they can just come and grab a coil of hair and pull it like I’m some kind of slinky spring,” one woman shares. “Don’t touch my hair and don’t call me moody when I tell you to stop!”
Arm Wrestling
“Guys who try to assert their dominance by crushing your hand while shaking it,” this woman writes. “I have arthritis and it is excruciatingly painful.”
Home Alone
“Maybe it’s just me, but asking if I live alone,” this person writes. “Now if at this point of inquiry there was an already established friendship I suppose it’s okay. But if you are a stranger or an acquaintance that would freak me out.”
No Escape
“Flirting with me in a position where I can’t leave, like an uber or a taxi,” one woman reveals. “It’s terrifying. One time I had an Uber driver flirt with me the entire time I was in the car late on a Friday night after a party, I tried to stop responding and he kept telling me how beautiful I was and how I needed a nice man, etc. He actually ended up skipping my street and I thought I was going to die that night.”
Not The Place Or Time
“When guys are like ‘this random thing makes me so hard'” one person writes. “A: did I ask about your dick? B: Y’all get boners from waking up, that isn’t a compliment. C: Stop making this about your dick.”
Benjamin Button
“I’ve heard guys say ‘If I was x years younger…’ A LOT and it’s disgusting,” one woman writes.
Free Real Estate
“That hassling you for a date because you don’t have a bf is okay,” this person writes. “The point is dude, I’d rather be single than date you. Take the bloody hint.”
Sprint To The Finish
“Saying anything along the lines of ‘you’re perfect’ upon minutes of meeting,” one woman shares.
Where’s My Hug?
“Ever heard a guy say ‘Where’s my hug?'” this person asks. “Me too. If you have to force a hug you don’t have a ‘hug level relationship’ with that person. I had a male coworker who asked me this EVERY DAY. I was young and insecure so I always just went with it. I’m glad I finally put my foot down and said no at the end.”
h/t: Reddit
