When I walk down the street I should not have to fear for my life. I should be able to dress the way I want, wear headphones if I please, and I shouldn’t have to walk with a group of people or a guy.

It is not fair and when guys say, “well, that is just the way things are,” it is absolutely astonishing. Of course you think like that, because you have never had a grown man look at you and make you feel like a piece of meat in under thirty seconds.

When will we start educating people that women are not play toys, and we sure as hell are not here for a man’s convenience. As I sit here writing this I am honestly trying to hold back angry tears. I think about all of the stories of harassment and/or sexual assault I have heard from friends and family. I think about my personal accounts with getting cat called or harassed by men.

I have many stories of being cat called as I walk to class or a friends place. These include being yelled at for not taking his “compliment”, being told I was a sexy bitch, and having a guy practically dry hump me as I tried walking back to my dorm. It isn’t fair that as I started swinging at him he started screaming profanities at me, and treating me like I was now the harasser.

In these stories I am usually in fear, and I am made to feel extremely uncomfortable, and I am fed up.

When women are harassed in any way it is usually because men feel like they are entitled to do so, and they feels as if they are superior to females.

It doesn’t even have to be on the streets anymore. It can be a simple DM on Twitter, or snap chat. Your unsolicited sext was not necessary, and I didn’t ask for it, therefore, that is sexual harassment.

When you flirt with me over text messages and then ask to hangout I will mention my significant other. I will tell you that it will be a platonic hangout and nothing more. Then you will proceed to get defensive and act shocked that I would make that sort of accusation. This will make me look stupid and you of course will come out on top.

I will continue to not take your “compliments”, and I will continue to say, “I am not interested” in your advances. Just because I am friendly does NOT mean I want to sleep with you. Just because I smiled does not mean I want you to stop me and ask me for my number. I am not a zoo animal or a circus attraction. You do not get to poke and prod at me any time you want. I am a human being.

So, here it is, treat women with respect not because of your sister, mother, and/or girlfriend. Treat us with respect because we are humans too.

Next time a guy catcalls me I’ll be sure to turn around and return the favor.