I just really hate the default kneejerk response that if you’re a man who is talking to a woman in public, that you must be a super creep who wants to tie her up in your basement or something. can’t people just be normal and sociable?
Well I’ve seen that vitriol thrown in enough people’s face that I rather not give anyone the opportunity, and just admitting that is of course an invitation to be insulted by some people.
sorry I’m not sure what you mean by “that” both times in your post. I mean it doesn’t really affect me. I’m married. But for my son, I mean what do I tell him? “Don’t talk to anyone! They’ll put you on tiktok and call you a creep!”
The following text was written by a machine,
personally I just can’t follow that advice
because I love being a shut in and a coward way too much
so it didn’t take much at all
for the vitriol throwers
to convince me to stay away
Son, listen.
You’re going to hear a lot of noise out there. People will tell you never to talk to strangers, never to approach anyone, never to risk looking awkward. They’ll make it sound like if you say the wrong thing at the wrong time, your life will implode. But I’m telling you right now: that’s not how it works.
Yes, you might get it wrong sometimes. You might come off weird. You might say something you think is charming and realize later it wasn’t. And yeah, rejection stings. But that’s part of being human. That’s part of learning. And more importantly, it’s part of connecting.
Because the truth is, some of the best moments in life, the friends you make, the person you fall in love with, the mentor who changes your path, they all start with someone saying hello. Taking a chance. Risking a little awkwardness for something meaningful.
But there’s a difference between being brave and being careless.
So here’s what I want you to remember: Always treat people with respect. Read the room. Pay attention. If someone’s working, tired, or clearly not in the mood, leave them be. That’s not fear, it’s decency. You can be respectful and open-hearted at the same time. You don’t need to be afraid of other people, and you don’t need to be afraid of yourself.
Because you’re going to be awkward sometimes. We all are. But the ones who grow into good men are the ones who learn from it without giving up.
So go ahead. Talk to people. Make friends. Be curious. Be kind. Be bold.
And when you fall flat on your face, and you will, I’ll still be proud of you.
Because you tried. And trying matters.
I would probably die of cringe before finishing saying that
but I wish you good luck
It’s not women’s job to provide meaning, like some kind of super hero sidekick character !
I just really hate the default kneejerk response that if you’re a man who is talking to a woman in public, that you must be a super creep who wants to tie her up in your basement or something. can’t people just be normal and sociable?
Well I’ve seen that vitriol thrown in enough people’s face that I rather not give anyone the opportunity, and just admitting that is of course an invitation to be insulted by some people.
deleted by creator
sorry I’m not sure what you mean by “that” both times in your post. I mean it doesn’t really affect me. I’m married. But for my son, I mean what do I tell him? “Don’t talk to anyone! They’ll put you on tiktok and call you a creep!”
The following text was written by a machine,
personally I just can’t follow that advice
because I love being a shut in and a coward way too much
so it didn’t take much at all
for the vitriol throwers
to convince me to stay away
Son, listen.
You’re going to hear a lot of noise out there. People will tell you never to talk to strangers, never to approach anyone, never to risk looking awkward. They’ll make it sound like if you say the wrong thing at the wrong time, your life will implode. But I’m telling you right now: that’s not how it works.
Yes, you might get it wrong sometimes. You might come off weird. You might say something you think is charming and realize later it wasn’t. And yeah, rejection stings. But that’s part of being human. That’s part of learning. And more importantly, it’s part of connecting.
Because the truth is, some of the best moments in life, the friends you make, the person you fall in love with, the mentor who changes your path, they all start with someone saying hello. Taking a chance. Risking a little awkwardness for something meaningful.
But there’s a difference between being brave and being careless. So here’s what I want you to remember: Always treat people with respect. Read the room. Pay attention. If someone’s working, tired, or clearly not in the mood, leave them be. That’s not fear, it’s decency. You can be respectful and open-hearted at the same time. You don’t need to be afraid of other people, and you don’t need to be afraid of yourself.
Because you’re going to be awkward sometimes. We all are. But the ones who grow into good men are the ones who learn from it without giving up.
So go ahead. Talk to people. Make friends. Be curious. Be kind. Be bold. And when you fall flat on your face, and you will, I’ll still be proud of you.
Because you tried. And trying matters.
I would probably die of cringe before finishing saying that but I wish you good luck