“Hey, How Much? … Hey, you, How MUCH?”

I was walking with a friend in the city after an evening of summer festivities that always excites us, the Arts Festival. It was late, I’d say around 12:45 a.m. We were crossing the street and a man (or shall I say boy) yelled from the car at the stop light, “Hey, how much? … Hey, you, how MUCH? Fifty dollars for some head?”

The yelling continued as we crossed the street and proceeded down a trail that leads to the garage where we were parked. My heart was racing and I was in the midst of a panic attack when my friend told me to slow down. She continued to tell me that the more I look as if I’m affected by their comments the more they would continue to harass us. My fear was so intense I could feel my heartbeat work its way up my throat into my brain. I was filled with anger, near rage.

Once we reached the safety of my car, I burst into tears. I was hurt and offended. I even questioned the way I was dressed and asked my friend if I looked like a prostitute. Not that it should matter in anyway mind you, I was wearing an ankle length skirt and a long sleeved sweater. Again, not that what I WAS wearing matters.

I was relieved to see your article today as it mentions that fear is a normal response. Because I always become afraid in these scenarios and my friend does not I thought something was wrong with me . It is comforting to know that this is a normal response to what happened. I had to address the situation with my therapist. Thinking about the event still brings tears to my eyes.

– Anonymous

Location: Pittsburgh, PA