When I started walking places alone at about 12 years old, they honked at me. I hated it. They’d yell shit out of their cars. I used to go buy sodas at a restaurant nearby, and it wasn’t uncommon to be scared into dropping it.
The worst part was how people reacted when I told them it made me uncomfortable.
“Oh, it just means that they think you’re pretty.”
No. Yelling “bitch, get in the car” doesn’t mean that they think I’m pretty.
More recently, family says that it’s just high school boys being stupid. That doesn’t help, and that isn’t true.
I don’t feel safe walking. And certain family members continue to insist that I should do so, and that I’m just making this up to get rides.
No. I’ve been in tears and cried while explaining what’s going on! That’s not faking it, and it isn’t unreasonable.
– Anonymous
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Sue H says
All respect to you. You’re incredibly brave and I’m so glad you realise that, while this behaviour may be normalised in our society, it’s still not right and you shouldn’t have to endure it. It must be so painful that the people in your life who should protect you (your family) can have so little understanding of what you’re going through and do so little to help you. I hope you can find a way through these horrible times and gain some feelings of comfort and safety.
Alan says
In addition to learning about the awful results of harassing incidents in the street, you’re learning and incredibly
Important lesson for life. Despite having people close to you, you will always need to make sure to take care of yourself and follow your instincts as to what is best for you. If you don’t feel safe walking, I hope you can find a safer means of transport.