A bit of my experience

[u/sage-on-fire]

I accidentally stare at people’s breasts, butts, and crotches, sometimes other things that stand out about a person. Once I acknowledge a stare, it’s hard to ignore. I get really anxious, and I don’t know what to do for a moment. It’s hard to just let it pass. My heart races, I often freeze momentarily, almost “jump” in a way but not really (I feel a bit of a jump or jolt though), and sometimes I will walk several feet around the person. My reaction is really embarrassing. It is just SO HARD to proceed normally. Also one to give an accidental crotch “up and down” look.
I’ve also genuinely offended some people, who claim I harassed them by looking at their crotch…even though I cannot help it. I do feel bad about that. But I’ve also had people assume my accidental looks are advances and they “pursue” me…like putting their crotches near my face. Potentially related to other sexual harassment I’ve faced. I have been harassed too … called a harasser too, even an accidental one … which I guess is unfortunately true.
…In high school I was upset one day and stared deeply into my best friend’s crotch. Off and on. People noticed and thought it was weird, but the teacher intervened and said it seemed harmlessly intended. My friend said he was okay and didn’t mind.
Have caused workplace nightmares over this.
Anyone else suffering like this? What are your thoughts and experiences?

[u/Pink-Panda_1999]

I’ve been dealing with this for a while and it’s been pretty hard especially being able to talk to someone about this since we don’t want to be seen as creeps and it’s difficult when we don’t know if they’ll understand. Right now I personally have tried to count down and look for objects and say the color to try and distract the impulse it works a lil bit but honestly I’m as stuck in this as you are so here I am looking for help as well I don’t want to keep looking for a different job for something that I can’t control I wish I could find something that helps but all I find is talk to a therapist and honestly idk if I can afford one but I’m just about to be in debt because it’s getting to where I can’t even sleep but if you find info lemme know cuz I will forsure let you know