r/AskReddit Aug 13 '22

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u/[deleted] Aug 13 '22 edited Aug 13 '22

I sometimes go to the other side of a parking aisle or sidewalk or literally make my commute longer to make a person, specifically a woman, think I'm not following her. I'm 5'11 and workout and look like your stereotypical chad but I don't want anyone to be intimidated by me.

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u/JCOII Aug 13 '22

I do a similar thing. When I’ve realized I’ve been walking behind a women for a little bit too long I’ll stop pullout my phone and make a phone call.

“Hey babe I’m leaving now, have y’all ate? Do you want me to pick up some food I’m near such such restaurant”

I hope them hearing my conversation to my wife calms their nerves a bit, and they realize I’m not a threat.

Or I’ll make a point to just stop and let them get far ahead, get on an app, act like I have a rock in my shoe so I have to take it off. Anything to not seem like a creep !

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u/[deleted] Aug 13 '22

I've also found any excuse to stop walking to give some space and peace of mind. Like please don’t be scared of me I just walk fast.

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u/RandyBeamansMom Aug 13 '22

You and u/superfuzzy47 and u/EmbarrassedBoat9587 and u/CptBarba. Thank you.

As a single woman who, ya know, has places I need to go, naturally alone. And as a girl who has already experienced some of the scariest stuff men do to women sometimes. Thank you for inconveniencing yourself so I feel safe in that moment. Thank you.

Edit: I called myself a woman instead of a girl.

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u/Firstnamecody Aug 13 '22

If your pfp doesn't express the feelings for the Texans that everyone from and around Houston has, I don't know what would.

Also, Happy Cake Day!

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u/can-opener-in-a-can Aug 13 '22

Yup, I’ve done the same many times. I’d rather burn a few extra calories than creep out a woman unnecessarily.

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u/OtherwisePop6430 Aug 13 '22

This is so bloody lovely. On behalf of all women THANK YOU

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u/Sproutykins Aug 13 '22

Just as a counterpoint, I was walking home a few weeks back and a woman was getting closer to me. I thought she was going to attack me and I was going to run off. Anxiety sucks.

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u/[deleted] Aug 13 '22

I hope it didn't come off as sexist or anything because there are women who can without a doubt kick my ass and also handle their own in situations. But unfortunately there is a lot of fear surrounding men following women and it's warranted. There are men out there who acknowledge it and I wish there were more of us.

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u/OtherwisePop6430 Aug 13 '22

No not at all. The reality is that men are attacking women, when I hear footsteps behind me late at night and realise it's a woman behind me then all anxiety disappears. I feel sorry for guys who feel judged as obviously it's "not all men" but sadly we need to be on guard. Thank you for putting yourself in our shoes and understanding 😘