How should I handle unwanted offers for rides from men while I’m out walking?
#SafetyTips #DealingWithUnwantedAdvances
What to do when encountering unwanted offers for rides:
– Politely decline the offer and continue walking confidently
– Make sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings
– Have a plan in place if you feel threatened or unsafe
– Consider carrying a personal safety device for added security
Understanding why men offer unsolicited rides:
– Some may have good intentions but should respect boundaries
– Others may have ulterior motives, so trust your instincts
– It’s important to prioritize your safety above politeness
Educating others on appropriate behavior:
– Having open conversations with friends, family, and community members about boundaries
– Encouraging respect for personal space and autonomy
– Reporting any concerning behavior to authorities if necessary
Remember, your safety is the top priority in any situation. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. #StaySafe #Empowerment
Im very sorry this happened to you. You want to protect yourself by any means necessary. Get some pepper spray or mace as well as maybe a walking stick to aid you. Unfortunately there are some sick people in this world and you likely need to be on guard.
This is wild to me living in a city where women walk everyday, and presumably don’t have to deal with this (although street harassment is an issue)
First I’d get some pepper spray or something like that. But I’d also copy the woman at the gym who don’t want to be bothered and get the biggest pair of over the head earphones you can find.
You don’t need to listen to anything. I think a guy is a lot less likely to harass you if he thinks you can’t hear him talking to you
I highly recommend getting one of these, you can find them on Amazon: [https://www.kimberamerica.com/pepper-blaster](https://www.kimberamerica.com/pepper-blaster) It shoots a gell and not a aerosol spray so the odds of it coming back on you is very slim.
A loud whistle is a good carry too, most people don’t like having attention drawn to them.
Call 911 on speaker if you feel in danger. That way you talk loudly and the bad guy hears you talking to the operator AND the 911 person can hear whats going on too.
Yeah pepper spray would be best to have on you. If you don’t know what pepper spray feels like I’ll tell you it hurts pretty bad. It feels like pressing your face on a hot stove and having sandpaper rubbed in your eyes at the same time. It’ll give you enough time to confuse them and get away. Also get one of those locations sharing apps on your phone and share your location 24/7 with someone you trust.
In many cases “I’m walking by choice, but thank you” will be plenty. In the case of the ill intentioned, I agree with Mace, pepper spray, etc. it’s also worth noting, staying nice when people get pushy feels safer, but it’s not. When people see that pushing isn’t getting them a negative reaction, they’ll push harder. Yell “I’ve got shit to do and you’re in my way!” Be aggressive. Look like more trouble than you’re worth.
No thanks, I’m meeting my brother close by
When I was younger, I would often offer (or want to offer) rides to folks walking that looked like they didn’t want to be walking. Cold day. Unfriendly stretch of road. Difficulty walking. Older. You get the idea. It feels good to help.
I got an older fella home on a hot day maybe a mile or two. I took a younger woman with her child to what I believe was a domestic violence shelter a few miles away on a cold, snowy night from a less-than-excellent neighborhood.
If you don’t want a ride, “Nope, I’m good,” _should_ be all it takes. If it’s not, assume negative intent.
I would love a weapon for you but to each their own.
Absent a weapon:
– Take a picture and shout you just sent it to your husband. If visible, take another of his license plate. If he tries shit, he will get convicted.
– Scream. Loudly.
– If anyone else is driving by, flag down help.
– Do NOT get in the car.
Bring pepper spray and ignore them.
If they get out of the car, be prepared to use it.
I’d recommend a high vis vest. Then it’s obvious that it is intentional and your not walking away from a broken vehicle
Sorry to hear. Please get some pepper spray. Share your location with someone you trust. My mom had one of those tasers that looks like a phone that she used to chase us with when we the boys pissed her off. Maybe saying “hey you’re making me uncomfortable, please let me alone. I have somewhere to be” in a serious tone might help.
Pull out your phone, take his picture, call 911.
Report the assault.
I just want to tell you that you sound like an awesome person. I hate that you have to face these obstacles, but I love that it doesn’t break your spirit. Stay positive OP.
Unsolicited rides from people you don’t know just sound like a bad idea. I’d tell them something like “No thank you, I am enjoying my walk.” and then keep moving. If you don’t have pepper spray (if legal in your jurisdiction) I’d recommend having some for anyone who gets a bit more aggressive.
get a pic of his license plate and tell the cops in any good country he would be charged with some things but yeah very sorry to hear this or get pepper spray and a walking stick sword thing that old ninjas have
Video him and his license plate and tell him your calling the cops is he doesn’t piss off…..
“No thank you.” Is sufficient.
There are unsafe people out there, though. Nothing wrong with going for a walk, and you didn’t deserve this interaction. You may want to carry mace or pepper spray moving forward. There’s nothing wrong with calling the police, but a lot of terrible things can transpire in the time it takes them to arrive.
Normal people, men or women, usually is as you said, sufficient with just responding “no thanks.” This person you telling us isn’t a normal person, that’s creepy as fuck. I’m sorry that happened to you, be safe out there!
Pull out your phone and dial 911
For the polite ones, just wearing workout clothes and “looking” like you’re out for exercise should tell them you don’t need a ride. For the creepy ones, there’s making a scene, assertiveness, and mace. Shame you have to go through that though.
Pull out your phone and start recording him…say his license plate out loud, tell him it’s live and he better fuck off because everyone knows who he is now.
I appreciate the offer but I’m just out for a walk
Don’t worry about coming off as a “bitch” some of these dudes don’t understand boundaries. After the first “no, thanks” your response should be “get the fuck away from me now or I am calling the police”. And then call them on speaker while recording them.
I’d just keep ignoring them. Don’t give them the time of day.. these men are puppies in need of training…
You deal with this by calling the cops and using pepper spray if needed.
“Sorry, my parole officer doesn’t like when I get in cars of people he hasn’t vetted yet.”
Get a taser!!! You can find them on Amazon. I walk around with one and when I turn it on it makes a very loud noise and people are put off by this. I’ve had people cuss me out over it and storm off but never get closer.
Alternatively, you can get a Birdie alarm and just pull that and tell them to leave you the fuck alone.
I’ve been in that exact situation before and it’s easy to freeze up. Practice responses when you’re alone so it comes natural and confident. Make it second nature! Practice spraying mace as well…this is good because you can use it from a distance. I suggested a taser in another post but that’s for close contact since you need to touch them to make it effective.
Carry bear spray. Also report the person.
Just cheerfully explain that walking is the only way to keep your gonorrhea from flaring up and making your underwear smell like the devil’s jock strap. Then cough a bunch and spit on the ground. Maybe crook your hands into claws and twitch one eye to really sell it.