A little less than a year ago, I was walking down a trail during my break from work. I just wanted some peace and quiet away from the stress of my job, and a walk outside usually helps. As I walked the trail, two men who were old enough to be parents of mine were sitting on a bench, and they called out to me. I ignored them, as I just wanted some peace. They continued trying to call out to me, get my attention, and insist that I “spend time” with them.
When it became obvious that I wouldn’t respond, they got annoyed and made some comment like, “She must be deaf as well.” This really annoyed me for two reasons: one, that they refused to acknowledge that it was their rudeness that was making me ignore them and two, that they were fine with outright stating I was not the first person they’ve tried this with.
I gave them the finger, which caused them to start laughing and actually applauding me for being so bold. Even though I’m glad I did something, I still felt upset that nothing I did would deter them from doing it to another person. And I know they knew their actions were wrong – they were old enough to be my fathers, and I’m not exactly a teenager anymore – they just didn’t care. They never do.
– Anonymous
Location: On a trail in Newmarket, Canada
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