After the rain stopped, we started looking for a nearby coffee shop, as I tried to tame the mess on my head. As the sidewalk became narrower, my friend started walking in front of me instead of beside me to allow oncoming people to pass by. I aimlessly followed her, with most of my attention on my hair. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw this creepy man walk by my friend and then suddenly dart in front of me. His face was within centimeters of mine. He exhaled onto my face. I gasped, which meant we breathed in the same air. I almost barfed in my mouth. I dodged him and stumbled backwards, with my fingers still stuck in my hair. This man just tried to kiss me. On a sidewalk. In broad daylight. I never said a thing to him, let alone look his way. What in the world? Completely mortified, I walked onwards and pretended everything was fine. He smiled at me, as if he didn't just invade my personal space and tried to sexually harass me. Of course, I told my friend what happened afterwards, but what was I supposed to do now? I'll tell you what I would've done if I wasn't so distracted with my hair, I would've given him the old one-two. But it all happened so fast, and all I can do now is learn from it. So, ladies and gentlemen, what can we do to prevent this type of behavior from happening again? Before those who don't understand what it's like to be harassed in the streets make comments about how I should've 'covered myself up' or else I'd be 'asking for it', I'd like to present to you my OOTD.
Am I glad this happened? No, of course not, what are you, crazy? This isn't one of those "I'll learn from my mistakes for next time" moments. I didn't do anything wrong. Let me repeat myself, I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING WRONG. My outfit was respectably cute. Stop blaming the victims. Will I let this happen again? Hell no. I'm accepting it. I'm accepting that it happened, that it's passed, and that I'll be better prepared (and ready to swing) when someone tries me again. That is all. Stay safe, and stay strong, fellow travelers.
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Christina TranA Vietnamese-American student studying abroad in Lyon, France. Always experiencing the world, one day at a time. Categories
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