I was walking down the street to my car after work, and a guard at a parking garage I pass tells me to smile. I don’t remember the exact comment but it was one of those common ones, something like, “You’d look better with a smile.”
I ignored it and kept walking at first, but I stopped, turned around, and told him not to say that to me or anyone else. I also told him that it really doesn’t make someone feel good to hear that. It was a very light incident compared to many other stories, but I thought I’d share.
Optional: Do you have any suggestions for dealing with harassers and/or ending street harassment in general?
If it’s safe (and only if you feel safe), sometimes it helps to confront the person making these comments. They may not stop, but confrontation forces them to think about it.
– Anonymous
Location: Charlotte, NC
Share your street harassment story for the blog.
See the book 50 Stories about Stopping Street Harassers for more idea.
