10 years ago, a Black woman told me that, while it’s perfectly valid to disagree with other people’s opinions, I should rethink the level of confidence that I depict when discussing a topic that I don’t know all that much about.

She probably saved quite a few others and myself from a fair bit of trouble.

Why would using one be an issue though? If the stencil is disposed afterwards, I don’t see an issue.

Said it before but: The assholes in the world ruin it for the rest of us. Good on you for keeping an eye out. I do it too, it gets exhausting though.

Among the guys who answered with yes, more than one stated to be on the bigger/taller side, which makes sense. I also know some taller, sporty looking women who look out for people being afraid of them sometimes. Never happens to me, I’m the female goblin.

Oh, I know that game, very appreciated! When I get too excited, I might use pepper spray or a kick between the legs. It makes things fun!

You probably know that, but this is exactly the thing that a lot of women and girls do, just reversed. Calling a friend or pretending to be on the phone when in a dark alley. I think the first time I did that was at 14 or something.

Nice one!

Maybe that’s a regional thing, but the thought of someone aggressively sniffing behind me to announce their presence is hilarious.

Lol, I’m not into men and I very much wish that would exempt me from the harassment. The assholes in this world ruin it for the rest of us.

Sounds annoying. Thank the creeps in this world that made those people wary and afraid of men beforehand.They ruin it for everyone involved.

I did that experiment with my flatmates for some weeks once. (I love them, but they had it coming.)

One had a tighter schedule and you actually noticed the change pretty fast. I ended up telling him pretty early.

The other one didn’t notice at all, so I just went on and on. He was mad at me when I told him. Told me I should’ve just kept going if it’s working.

Both couldn’t tell from the taste alone.

Let’s just hope they’re also talking to themselves enough to not point fingers.

I do that at home, lol. I really hope the walls are thick enough for the neighbours not to catch on to the fact that there’s no one else around.

The dog announces you, lol.

It’s not weird at all. Just didn’t register with me before that there might be multiple reasons why people do it.

For context: I happen to look very nonthreatening. Literally no one is scared of me, ever. For better or for worse. That doesn’t even apply to most women, I’d say. So, if I’m not consciously thinking about it or someone tells me, I won’t notice details like that. It’s honestly good to know.

Might look her up, thanks!

Guyfriends told me before that they do the crossing the street thing. Or walking a bit faster at night to get past me. I noticed people do that sometimes. Never noticed the former (which might mean it just works) and I very much appreciate the latter.

Just happy that more and more people develop some awareness for this stuff.

As for the humming: it certainly helps prevent jump scares I guess. Since some assholes also whistled or hummed at me before, only to try and get my attention, I’ll still very much ignore men who do that, just in case.

Knowing the reason, I’ll recognize and appreciate the gesture as a nice one in the future though.

No, I meant actual creeps, like someone making a noise and then aggressively hitting on me or saying something disgusting. Those happen from time to time.

You’re good.

The pattern that makes us think things are cute (=young) is pretty universal among animals. It includes big eyes, big heads in relation to the rest of the body, small noses and a small mouth. We find things like cats super cute, because even adult cats are pretty close to that pattern, compared to f.e. adult humans.

So I guess that an animal whose adult form is less close to this pattern than ours would probably think of us as especially cute?

I personally think we’re pretty hideous though. Weird, hairless apes.

I started to learn how to dance. You know, with other people. I’m really not the type. It’s embarrassing and terrifying. It also really helps me confront some of my fears. I’m pretty proud of that.

Let’s see what this leads to.

Great answer, thank you.