Walking down the street, an older guy standing on the corner held out a publication toward me.
“Wanna buy one, sweetie?”
“No thanks, and don’t call me ‘sweetie.'” My standard response.
He surprised me by answering sincerely, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disrespect you.”
Thank you!
See, creepy guys who get angry when I tell you not to call me “angel,” “honey,” and “sweetheart?” This is the proper response.
– Cate Burlington
Location: Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
Share your street harassment story today and help raise awareness about the problem. Include your location and it will be added to the Street Harassment Map.
Violet says
This just happened to me today. I like to make them laugh by responding “Thanks, sweetie” or “No thanks, sweetie” It totally throws them for a loop. Morons.
lauren taylor says
this happened to me once–ONCE! not that long ago. (relevant: i was late 40s, the guy was probably early 20s)
I held the door for him. He says: thanks, darlin (a little unclearly so I wasn’t sure what he said). I say: did you just call me ‘darlin’? He straightens up, says: yes, ma’am! (remembering his manners, it looked like)
Golden Silence says
I love when harassment stories have happy endings! That is exactly the way when should respond when called out on that “sweetie” mess.