I work as a Pilates and yoga instructor, and up close, I look my age of 61, but from a distance I’m very fit. I’m almost always in my work uniform of black lycra long pants or capris and shirt and jacket with big lettering announcing my gym and title. I get harassed about once or twice weekly.
This week, at my bank branch a man my age behind me in line tapped me on the shoulder and told me he thought I looked great, he went on complimenting my “gymnastic”body. I noticed he was wearing a wedding ring.
I replied I am okay for an old married lady (I’m single). He went on to say he likes women who are fit and flexible and how he likes to eat his lunch in our parking lot while watching the women come and go from the gym. It’s a women-only gym.
I told him that’s why we like it. It’s a safe place from pervs who make us feel uncomfortable. Then the teller called me up by name and he shut up. What a creep! Men feel so free to comment on women’s bodies and appearance. I wish I had said more to him.
Last night I went to the shopping ma ll which adjoins a large supermarket. There was a man in his twenties, neatly dressed for the warm weather and pushing a few shopping carts. As he approached me he leaned towards me and made this very angry threatening face and almost in a whisper said, “bitch.”
I didn’t react or respond, and kept walking. He wasn’t wearing a market uniform. I assume he is another mentally ill person on the streets, or maybe just hostile towards older women. Just another weird day in the OC. It would be so great to feel safe in my own neighborhood.
– yoginijasmina
Location: In a bank and outside a shopping mall
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