So, I'm a female college student. That's pretty obvious, I know. But this simple identity means that in today's world, I get flirted with and sometimes harassed by men pretty much on a daily basis. Crazy, right? It's not always terrible to get attention, really, but as you can imagine, not all guys are the most clever, genuine or original creatures. So here are a few things that I really just wish that random dudes would stop saying to me at the bar, out the windows of their car, on the internet - you get the idea.
"Why don't you smile? You'd be so much prettier if you just smiled."
Because I don't want to, and I'm thoroughly annoyed that you think that I should be smiling just because you're talking to me. Also, don't tell me how I should be feeling or assume that my main concern right now is looking pretty for you. Just go away.
"Where's your boyfriend?"
Ugh. Because I am clearly not allowed to go anywhere alone, whether I'm single or not. What kind of man would allow me to venture into the world by myself? Obviously not the right one.
"So you do yoga -- can you show me how flexible you are, can you teach me?"
Absolutely not. I mean, I could teach you if you were actually interested and not just trying to get me close to you. I do yoga for myself, for the tranquility it gives me and the balance of body and mind it requires. Stop sexualizing my hobbies, thank you. Also, by the way, yoga also gives me a ton of strength as well as flexibility -- enough to knock your ass out.
"Do the carpets match the drapes (or any other sexual comment about being a redhead)?"
I'm not going to answer any of these questions. Ever. Do you not realize how inappropriate that is?!?! Being a man does not suddenly entitle you to being able to talk to me like that, especially if you don't know me.
Whistling and catcalling.
See, I know you think that this is supposed to be flattering, but it's really not. It's creepy, and it is why I hate walking along busy roads and feeling watched. I am not an object.
"You have piercings or tattoos? That's so sexy, can I see them?"
Again, there's this crazy thing that I do in my life where my decisions are based off of what I want. I didn't get them to be sexy, and no, you're not seeing them. Sorry not sorry.
And then, when I'm not feeling like dealing with crap, and call a man out for these comments...
"I was just trying to compliment you. Stop being such a bitch."
You see, I understand that some people do want to genuinely compliment others, but I'm pretty sure that gross pick-up lines are 10/10 not genuine and not meant to compliment me. They're meant to get in my pants. Besides, just because I recognize your grossness and am independent enough to call you out on it doesn't make me a bitch. Not being interested doesn't make me a bitch. And if you were a woman for even a day and had to deal with all of the catcalling, inappropriate comments and objectification, you would get pretty tired of it, too. Maybe that's why I'm never smiling.
