Creepy Old Men (plus one young guy)

[EvilEmpryss]

It has a lot to do with how you carry yourself. You don't have to be surly (though that can help for the really obtuse creeps). Keep your head up, shoulders squared, make eye contact, and walk with confidence.

There was a psychological study done where imprisoned rapists and violent muggers viewed video of women walking through an alley. The criminals were then asked which of the women they would target for assault. The women were actresses, participants in the study directed to take on either confident-but-wary attitudes or shy/worried/absentminded attitudes, all wearing nearly identical outfits. Nearly every one of the criminals said they would target the meek-looking women and let the confident ones pass.

The moral of the story is that if you don't *look* or *act* like a victim, you are less likely to *be* a victim.

[blas]

While I yearn for the day that I can go anywhere or do anything alone without the dreaded creepers, it is nice having a large and intimidating looking boyfriend, brother, father, and uncles.

[BrenDAnn]

Thought of this post while in Irving Patrick Freleigh's "Good boy" thread.

So, ladies of the board, how many of you have experienced this: the sleazy, older man who hits on you, attempts an ill-advised move, or makes a comment in such poor taste that your stomach clenches?

All the time. The guy? My creepy 70-ish neighbor. **shudders** Thankfully, I'm able to avoid him, except when he comes to the c-store to get gas...and gives my coworkers and me "hugs" and "kisses" in the form of the candy by the same name. Ugh. Gives me the creeps every time he's in. Once, I'd been out to help someone at the pump, and was heading back in, right behind my neighbor. Neighbor was wearing sweats, and the tie on them somehow came loose on his way in the door. He smiled creepily at me and said "Oh did you do that?" No, no I did not. I didn't come near your pants, you disgusting old pervert! GO AWAY!!!

[Andara Bledin]

It has a lot to do with how you carry yourself. You don't have to be surly (though that can help for the really obtuse creeps). Keep your head up, shoulders squared, make eye contact, and walk with confidence.

That's most of it.

* Use good posture. A straight back shows self-confidence. Such people are more likely to put up a fight or make a racket.
* Walk with purpose. If you're moving briskly, it's more likely that you're expected somewhere. If you amble, then it's likely you won't be missed as quickly.
* Be aware of your surroundings. They can't surprise you if you know they're there, after all.

^-.-^