This is part of the Monday series “Street Respect. “Street respect” is the term for respectful, polite, and consensual interactions that happen between strangers in public spaces. It’s the opposite of “street harassment.” Share your street respect story and show the kind of interactions you’d like to have in public in place of street harassment.
I’m 31 and have experienced awful street harassment in the past. I was at the checkout stand late one recent evening at a supermarket, the kind of store where you pack your own groceries. As I was paying the cashier, I turned and saw two young men quietly packing my groceries. No creepy looks, no winks, no leering — just a kind deed. I thanked them with a smile, and they told me, “You’re welcome.” And that was it.
I smiled as I left, because it reminded me that there are decent, respectful people in the world.
– SB
Location: Visalia, CA
