Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Man Keeps Hitting On A Teen Girl Until She Tells Him She’s On Live Video

Man Keeps Hitting On A Teen Girl Until She Tells Him She’s On Live Video

ADVERTISEMENT

Nobody should feel like their personal space is being invaded by someone who frightens you. And nobody should be hit on when they clearly show they’re scared and don’t want anything to do with you through their body language and tone of voice. Especially while live-streaming in a public place.

However, that’s exactly what happened to an 18-year-old student, who goes by maassassin_ on TikTok, whose videos of being hit on by an older man in a hotel courtyard went viral on social media. There were plenty of women who said they know perfectly well how she must have felt and that dealing with creeps is a nearly daily occurrence for plenty of them.

Watch the videos and let us know what you think and if you’ve ever been in a similar situation as the teenager has, dear Pandas. And be sure to read on for Bored Panda’s interview about staying safe with ‘Hollaback!’, an organization that aims to stop harassment in all of its forms.

A teenager’s videos of being hit on by a creepy older guy went viral, and they resonated with a lot of people, especially women

Image credits: chris_notcapn

She was live-streaming when the dude approached her, so she captured the entire interaction in two viral videos

@maassassin_Scariest night of my life so far. #fyp #kidnapping #stranger #creepy #april24 #scary #staysafe #foryou #man #help♬ original sound – That’s Mrs, Whitethorn to you

@maassassin_I never expected this to happen to me in the middle of a hotel courtyard. #help #man #foryou #staysafe #scary #april24 #creepy #stranger #kidnapping♬ original sound – That’s Mrs, Whitethorn to you

Staying safe on the streets and in public spaces is incredibly important, so Bored Panda reached out to ‘Hollaback!’ for a comment on how to react to harassment. Jorge Arteaga, the organization’s Deputy Director, said that each and every situation is different and that ‘Hollaback!’ honors “how folks choose to protect themselves.”

Trusting your instincts and deciding what’s right for you at the time is what’s important. ‘Hollaback!’ has three main strategies on how to respond to harassment. “First, ‘trust your instinct’ and there is no right or wrong response to harassment. Whatever your response is in the moment was the right response for you,” Arteaga told Bored Panda about the first two strategies.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Next is, ‘Reclaim your space,’ if you choose to. You can tell them to leave you alone or what you want them to do and why, ask people for help, or document the situation and use it for reporting purposes, if you choose,” he said.

The key here is choice: there really isn’t a wrong way to react to harassment because you’re trusting your instincts and nobody knows what’s right for you in the moment better than you because you’re actually living it.

The teenager was clearly scared and didn’t want to talk to the guy who was chatting her up

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: maassassin_

Image credits: maassassin_

The teen gave some extra information about what happened and how she felt in a follow-up video

@maassassin_update! #stranger #creepy #april24 #scary #foryou #staysafe♬ original sound – That’s Mrs, Whitethorn to you

The teenager originally posted two videos about the interaction with the creepy guy, as well as a couple of follow-ups. One of the people to help the initial video go viral is podcaster Chris Evans (no relation to Captain America’s actor), who was horrified that somebody would hit on a teenager when she was live-streaming.

Her initial video had over 12.2 million views at the time of writing. Meanwhile, in a couple of follow-up videos, she went on to explain that the guy who hit on her seemed to be far older than she was, in his 30s. In other words, he should have known better than to try hitting on somebody who very clearly wanted to be left alone.

The teenager indicated multiple times that she didn’t want to have a chat with the guy who was hitting on her and it took a while for him to get the hint. Fortunately, things ended well and the student’s friend was even making sure that she was all right from afar.

What’s more, the student spoke to the receptionist at the hotel’s front desk who explained that they’ll have a talk with the guy about his behavior. Hopefully, things will change for the better as more people become aware that these kinds of situations simply aren’t ok.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately, these sorts of situations are nothing new to women who have to deal with them on a regular basis

Image credits: Tigrrl

Image credits: MelwiththeHair

Image credits: Hollowgirl78

Image credits: AnxiousPenman

Image credits: snarkylicious

Image credits: Hildebryn

Image credits: BasicBrownGirl3

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: mel_med_larson

Image credits: Peace4all17

Image credits: chasingsunny16

Image credits: DoryReality

Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Start the discussion
Add photo comments
POST
kifflington avatar
Nat Hedley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's just make this very clear: if someone is doing this to you and you tried polite *once* and they didn't go, you don't have to be polite to them any further. Say it clearly, say it confidently and loud: 'Leave me alone. Do not sit at my table. Go away.' Practice in front of the mirror if you're not sure you could do it for real. Don't be afraid to ask someone else (e.g. staff) for help. It's not making a fuss.

ykangy011a avatar
Blogwave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel scared to do shout at them like that because then the situation can get aggressive and violent. They can easily suddenly switch from being "friendly" to abusing you and saying you're an ugly b*tch anyway and getting violent.

Load More Replies...
kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First, he makes a vague gesture that she read as him only wanting the chair. He thinks this will count in his favor as she indicated he could have the chair—-consent—-but he’ll just forget about her not wanting him at her table. Second, instead of apologizing for the misunderstanding and moving on, he planted his feet under her table, and started trying to get her name, even after she plainly says she did not invite him to sit with her. Third, he only leaves when she says she’s streaming live, and could turn the camera on him and immediately ID him—-and I wish she had! He’s probably a chronic perv who hits on very young women and is scared shitless of losing his anonymity, plus his job, family, reputation, and freedom (jail, if his usual victims are teenagers). Too many commenters here are making excuses for him, because of his age. Listen, if old dogs can learn new tricks, then old men can get with the times, learn this behavior is wrong and not tolerated, and then stop it.

sistence avatar
Lenka Smetanová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On Saturday I was on morning train to our capital city. I was at coupe for woman, so no man is allowed there... A woman with baby boy came there too and be there with me. At one point, before we reach the final destination, I went on WC. When I came back, I walk across a man i n the corridor who just returning into his coupe. I entered ours, and the woman look at me scared saying, that after I left, a man came there and star asking her, If she want to hang out with him and if she needs help with carriage. It was the same guy I met in the corridor. He litteraly wait for me to go on toilet to stand up and go to that woman sho was alone at the moment.

deborahbrett avatar
Deborah B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The big problem with this scenario, is that at no point is the girl able to say "leave me alone" because to do so could escalate the situation and put her in danger. So the guy gets to pretend that his behaviour is okay, that he's 'just being friendly' or 'just saying hello'. Then other men look at the scenario and say, 'She never told him to leave her alone, she chatted and laughed. She didn't say she was a teenager. She led him on." We need to be very clear to boys and men, that this behaviour is threatening, and it's not okay.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, these type of men are wholly dependent on the fact that most girls will still try to be polite and use manners and they take advantage of that.

Load More Replies...
dutchvanzandt avatar
Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Predators are as predators do. The guy perceived weakness in his "target" and went for it. The young woman was "caught off" guard and put in a very uncomfortable position. Guys like that get off on the discomfort that most non-sociopaths would have read in her face. A decent (older) guy would not have approached and harassed her. PS "I thought she was legal," "I was just being friendly!" "I thought she was into it?"etc....??? I call bullsh*t.

vera-roshchina avatar
Vera
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This stops around the age of 35. After that men just openly hate and bully you instead of harassing and being creepy around you.

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's because thats around the age we women realize we don't have to be polite to strange creepy men anymore

Load More Replies...
lantanahowell avatar
Lantana Howell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sorry for you. I have a 17 y. o. soon and I have taught both him and my daughter that no means no and stop means stop anytime someone says it! That ignorant concept of "boys will be boys" is dangerous.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother drilled into us, everything she could, about our own space, listen to our instincts regardless if they are going off around other adults or family member or police or teachers. That if our instincts are giving off warnings about a person, stay away from them even if it seems rude or impolite, at the very least don’t find yourself alone with them. Any way not one of my 5 sisters or myself managed to make to 18 without worse than this story happening to us. I don’t think it’s possible for us to have been prepped any better than we were. Things need to change.

Load More Replies...
rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I first started getting unwanted attention from adult men when I was 12. I didn't look older than my age, I looked younger. They knew perfectly well that I was just a kid, but viewed girls my age as prey.

pass_nad avatar
Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, same for me and a lot of friends. And I'm talking about men sometimes 60 y-o. And at this time girls wore regular jeans and straight t-shirts, nothing feminine or sexy. So disgusting.

Load More Replies...
dirt_in_my_veins avatar
Dio
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 19 a man followed me onto a train from town, getting off at the same stop (an obscure one at that) trying to talk to me the whole time.. He then followed me 10 minutes down the road to outside my university halls. I didn't want him to know I live there, so I sat outside in the park for a while, but he wouldn't leave. When he suggested we take a walk in the park I had enough and ran inside. It was terrifying. Why do people do this.

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man, I didn't like going to the grocery store alone because of men. Still very rare that I go out without my husband or a friend. Happens all the freaking time, especially when you are a teenager. Never got harassed more than I did when I was 16. Best part of hitting 30, you stop getting hit on as much and it is magic. Incredibly sad fact of my life.

ivyruonakoski avatar
Ivy Ruonakoski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? That's so sad, I love go do my groceries at 3 am! Haven't seen creeps here.

Load More Replies...
chriskane avatar
Chris Kane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important for girls to stand up for themselves and say "I'm sorry but I would like to sit alone" but perhaps more important to educate men that this behavior is not okay. You can't just approach strangers! If you want to meet women let it happen naturally, I'm sure there's plenty of places; clubs, classes, sports where you can meet a girl, become friends and let it go from there.

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important that men recognize what is an appropriate environment to approach women in. If it's not a social place like a club or party or something, chances are she wants to be left alone. Women don't go to libraries to get hit on.

Load More Replies...
csmith avatar
c smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This girl looks even younger than she is, and to adults over 30 she should appear much too young to be interested in. If this was like a 15 16 year old boy awkwardly trying to talk to her it would be a little different but the fact that this is a grown ass man approaching a young girl is creepy and super inappropriate.

conniebohone avatar
Beans
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly, what over 18 dude thinks he's so effing interesting that a teen girl wants to talk to him? Newsflash: you aren't and she doesn't

Load More Replies...
ambarsanchezcuello avatar
Ambar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's funny to me how MOST men(i put most in there because I know for a fact that my father, uncle, cousins, and stepfather do NOT treat females like toys) treat women like they fall out of the sky. and when they say no, they act as if they have never been told no before. clearly, those men who act like that were never taught manners as a kid

derpalert avatar
derp alert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah not most men at all, but the amount that do are not needed as well.

Load More Replies...
truebluecanadian2021 avatar
blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Started when I was around 11 and only stopped when I passed 40. First time I was 10 and my cousin 12. waiting in line for a ride at the fair. Two middle aged men behind us grabbed out asses/privates hard from behind. I spun around and they were laughing and shrugging their shoulders like it was nothing.I was 10 and his hand grabbed between my legs from behind. I felt so dirty and embarrassed and to this day still think about how nasty it made me feel. This was in the late 1970s. The comments, gestures, sexual innuendos never stopped.

kebba-dabo avatar
K2D2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a man myself and even I felt uncomfortable watching this. I don't know how the one approaching her couldn't notice (or decided to ignore altogether) her body language that he was making her uncomfortable throughout the entire process. And the same goes for the nasty comments that insist upon gas lightning her experience with the 'he was just being friendly'-nonsense. I hope that this experience will not make her shut herself in out of fear in her future interactions. She deserves better.

wallicktn avatar
Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys like this know they're making girls/women uncomfortable, and they don't care. Why else would he have continued to invade her space when she was as clear as "I didn't say you could sit there", or back off when he knew she was live-streaming and that his bad behavior was being watched?

Load More Replies...
juli_june avatar
June
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How I used to deal with random creeps: immediately telling my age (lying about it, lowering it), talking about my friends / family who know exactly where I am (eventually lying about it too, but texting someone while I'm saying that), if still needed, saying it's inapropriate, I'm not interrested, and if still needed, going to another random stranger to ask for some help. It always worked for me.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We really need to change the dynamic of girls being expected to be "polite" in the sense that they shouldn't hurt someone's feelings. You can still be polite and say "Please go away and leave me alone. I'm not comfortable with you being here/doing that/talking to me." That should be standard practice for girls.

wallicktn avatar
Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, the problem is that we aren't that direct because too many men react with violence; there are so many articles of women who are assaulted, raped and even killed for telling a man 'no', and the crazy ones don't wear a sign. Teach boys and men to stop being creepy and when to back off.

Load More Replies...
jenessnicole avatar
Jenness Drake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Immediately brought to mind serial killer vibes or rapist. I'm 50 and still get creeped on for no apparent reason. Females are not candy in a store for anyone to grab for. When you politely say no thank you to them they, more often than not, get mad and start cussing you.

pass_nad avatar
Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was so common when I was a teen that it's gut wrenching. Makes me mad about it. In fact, my very first thought was "welcome to the world, get accustomed to it" as if it was a normal thing. It's not. It's usual, but it's unacceptable. Creepy pervert.

dontlook avatar
Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, that was a power trip. She was completely caught off guard, he knew it and then he used her vulnerability as a weakness.

priyabuccheit avatar
Tara Ray
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor baby!!! You can tell how UNCOMFORTABLE and scared she is!

tamara-kroonen-1 avatar
Tamara Kroonen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her fear makes her eyes bigger so she looks like a deer facing headlights. Only psychopathic predators are getting aroused by this. A normal person would back off if he noticed someone is getting scared by him.

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's also OK to just get up and walk away. You don't have to say anything, just leave.

saragregory0508 avatar
N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not completely clear what set-up she had for her live streaming. This is nominally excellent advice, but I wouldn't want to just get up and abandon a potentially expensive laptop plugged in with peripherals etc. (especially not at 18, my mum would've gone spare!). Assuming she could just grab and go (and there were now power cables or whatever), yes, that might have been a better bet.

Load More Replies...
ificouldiwouldliveunderwater avatar
If I could I would live under water
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor girl. I remember one time when I was about 19y., I was on a train, standing because it was packed. This old man checks me out (I mean OLD, he looked about 80) and I felt awkward already and then he comes over and says, "man, I wish I was 20 years younger". I somehow smiled awkwardly, turned around and pure my earplugs in. But I thought to myself, 20 years?!? Make it 60, plus a different personality. To this day I think about that, like, did he think if he was (a little) younger, I'd be instantly interested?

mandydelaforcepcgirl avatar
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men like that sicken me. Tell them to f**k off. Don't smile or answer their questions. Look them straight in the eye and tell them to get as far away as possible. Stand up and make noise if they don't. They are cowards and will leave if they are noticeable. There is no excuse for this mans behaviour. He didn't leave until another male called out.

laura_m_watts avatar
Laura Watts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in this situation as a preteen was so scared I climbed a tree and stayed there until he left . As a mum of 3 girls I constantly worry about situations like this. I've told my girls that they don't have to put up with anyone making them uncomfortable and to say it loudly if others are nearby . This type of person is no different than a bully. I'm sorry this young girl went through thisand fir all the other girls who keep going through this. Me

mpryts avatar
Monica Pryts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never had this problem. I must be uglier than I thought.

marneederider40 avatar
Marnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't even have known what was happening at her age. I had a lot of older sisters and brothers and their friends and was used to talking to older people all the time. I would not have realized he was "chatting me up" and probably would have just said, "Sure, you can sit down," if I hadn't been busy. Parents need to teach their daughters to recognize this, but not be scared, especially if the daughters are autistic or particularly naive.

lauraellen50 avatar
Cake lady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went to the movies by myself when I was around 13 or 14. The theater was fairly empty and a man came over and sat right next to me. Next thing I know his hand is on my knee. I got right up and left. Scared the heck out of me. This was back in the early sixties and it never occurred to me I should have talked to the management. I was just glad he did not follow me.

tommythebiker avatar
Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That "deer in the headlights" look she had when the guy took the chair is heartbreaking. Poor girl :(

rivernorton avatar
Chillace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

off topic, but is it just me or does she look like ryan reynolds?

shaylsalazar avatar
Shayl Salazar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One time I was with my younger brother and sister we were going to buy Coca Cola and it was 6:30 pm and my parents agree because the store was pretty near our home and it was pretty early and a creepy old man was smiling at me (he didn’t have a mask)I was so uncomfortable, my heart was beating faster , I keep having thought what is he going to do me, so many thought going in my head and my younger brother and sister was looking at me weirdly so I grab their arm and run to our house . It was the most terrifying moment of my life and I’m only 14.

takpozehnani avatar
Cheri Aline Sydney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This comes across to me sooooooooo differently.... I think he was very courteous and was feeling chatty... She needed a little drama in her life and quickly made it out to be something it wasn't... If she didn't want him to sit there, she could have just said "I'd like to sit here alone."... which would hardlybhave been confrontational. I am shocked at how many readers see something so negative about the innocent conversation he was making.

spazmops19 avatar
Logic and Reason
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was told I was on camera, I’d leave wherever I was. To me it sounded like he just was about to ask if she could sit at a different table because he wanted to be near the pool. Sure, he asked in a socially inept way, but that’s extremely thin grounds to label someone a predator.

mrssolconnor avatar
Sol Connor
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I’ve had guys come up and do that to me loads. He asked (in his way) if he could sit down, she said yes, he sat down, he was polite, friendly and just took a while to realise she was uncomfortable that’s all. For me I’d have either a got chatting cos some people are just the friendly talk to strangers type or asked him to leave cos I wanna be on my own. I get she was uncomfortable but I honestly don’t think he did anything wrong here. He was polite and then he left.

beejayw avatar
Ben Smith
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This just in: men no longer allowed to talk to women.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The men who either disregard a woman’s wants or needs or are socially inept enough to not be able to understand her comfort levels (even when she verbalizes them), then no, they should not be allowed to talk to women. I myself can handle it but there is no way in hell I’d want my nieces or daughter having to put up with this s**t just to live their life.

Load More Replies...
imatic86 avatar
ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Bp,at this point you should make an article "we hate men,USA and children".Go ahead,just do it already

bobloblaw avatar
Bob Loblaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's weird because I'm a man and I don't feel hated. But that's probably because I'm secure in my self and the fact that I'm not a creep towards women.

Load More Replies...
demi_zwaan avatar
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I guess you need to live in a certain kind of country to perceive this as threatening. She's not alone, she's in a public space and nothing is happening. Yeah, he's a bit tone deaf by sitting down and staying when she said she didn't mean he could sit there, but come on, learn to communicate? People will always say and do things that you don't like. Not because they're creeps or have bad intentions, but because not everyone has the same frame of reference and just doesn't perceive it as bad. I've been in situations like this and I just asked the person to leave and they do. As he did.

ava-beganyi avatar
anthonycheserek35 avatar
Anthony
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

That girl is ugly though. I wonder what kind of a man hits her up!

merlinthecat1 avatar
kifflington avatar
Nat Hedley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's just make this very clear: if someone is doing this to you and you tried polite *once* and they didn't go, you don't have to be polite to them any further. Say it clearly, say it confidently and loud: 'Leave me alone. Do not sit at my table. Go away.' Practice in front of the mirror if you're not sure you could do it for real. Don't be afraid to ask someone else (e.g. staff) for help. It's not making a fuss.

ykangy011a avatar
Blogwave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel scared to do shout at them like that because then the situation can get aggressive and violent. They can easily suddenly switch from being "friendly" to abusing you and saying you're an ugly b*tch anyway and getting violent.

Load More Replies...
kathrynbaylis_2 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First, he makes a vague gesture that she read as him only wanting the chair. He thinks this will count in his favor as she indicated he could have the chair—-consent—-but he’ll just forget about her not wanting him at her table. Second, instead of apologizing for the misunderstanding and moving on, he planted his feet under her table, and started trying to get her name, even after she plainly says she did not invite him to sit with her. Third, he only leaves when she says she’s streaming live, and could turn the camera on him and immediately ID him—-and I wish she had! He’s probably a chronic perv who hits on very young women and is scared shitless of losing his anonymity, plus his job, family, reputation, and freedom (jail, if his usual victims are teenagers). Too many commenters here are making excuses for him, because of his age. Listen, if old dogs can learn new tricks, then old men can get with the times, learn this behavior is wrong and not tolerated, and then stop it.

sistence avatar
Lenka Smetanová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On Saturday I was on morning train to our capital city. I was at coupe for woman, so no man is allowed there... A woman with baby boy came there too and be there with me. At one point, before we reach the final destination, I went on WC. When I came back, I walk across a man i n the corridor who just returning into his coupe. I entered ours, and the woman look at me scared saying, that after I left, a man came there and star asking her, If she want to hang out with him and if she needs help with carriage. It was the same guy I met in the corridor. He litteraly wait for me to go on toilet to stand up and go to that woman sho was alone at the moment.

deborahbrett avatar
Deborah B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The big problem with this scenario, is that at no point is the girl able to say "leave me alone" because to do so could escalate the situation and put her in danger. So the guy gets to pretend that his behaviour is okay, that he's 'just being friendly' or 'just saying hello'. Then other men look at the scenario and say, 'She never told him to leave her alone, she chatted and laughed. She didn't say she was a teenager. She led him on." We need to be very clear to boys and men, that this behaviour is threatening, and it's not okay.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, these type of men are wholly dependent on the fact that most girls will still try to be polite and use manners and they take advantage of that.

Load More Replies...
dutchvanzandt avatar
Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Predators are as predators do. The guy perceived weakness in his "target" and went for it. The young woman was "caught off" guard and put in a very uncomfortable position. Guys like that get off on the discomfort that most non-sociopaths would have read in her face. A decent (older) guy would not have approached and harassed her. PS "I thought she was legal," "I was just being friendly!" "I thought she was into it?"etc....??? I call bullsh*t.

vera-roshchina avatar
Vera
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This stops around the age of 35. After that men just openly hate and bully you instead of harassing and being creepy around you.

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's because thats around the age we women realize we don't have to be polite to strange creepy men anymore

Load More Replies...
lantanahowell avatar
Lantana Howell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so sorry for you. I have a 17 y. o. soon and I have taught both him and my daughter that no means no and stop means stop anytime someone says it! That ignorant concept of "boys will be boys" is dangerous.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother drilled into us, everything she could, about our own space, listen to our instincts regardless if they are going off around other adults or family member or police or teachers. That if our instincts are giving off warnings about a person, stay away from them even if it seems rude or impolite, at the very least don’t find yourself alone with them. Any way not one of my 5 sisters or myself managed to make to 18 without worse than this story happening to us. I don’t think it’s possible for us to have been prepped any better than we were. Things need to change.

Load More Replies...
rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I first started getting unwanted attention from adult men when I was 12. I didn't look older than my age, I looked younger. They knew perfectly well that I was just a kid, but viewed girls my age as prey.

pass_nad avatar
Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, same for me and a lot of friends. And I'm talking about men sometimes 60 y-o. And at this time girls wore regular jeans and straight t-shirts, nothing feminine or sexy. So disgusting.

Load More Replies...
dirt_in_my_veins avatar
Dio
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 19 a man followed me onto a train from town, getting off at the same stop (an obscure one at that) trying to talk to me the whole time.. He then followed me 10 minutes down the road to outside my university halls. I didn't want him to know I live there, so I sat outside in the park for a while, but he wouldn't leave. When he suggested we take a walk in the park I had enough and ran inside. It was terrifying. Why do people do this.

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Man, I didn't like going to the grocery store alone because of men. Still very rare that I go out without my husband or a friend. Happens all the freaking time, especially when you are a teenager. Never got harassed more than I did when I was 16. Best part of hitting 30, you stop getting hit on as much and it is magic. Incredibly sad fact of my life.

ivyruonakoski avatar
Ivy Ruonakoski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? That's so sad, I love go do my groceries at 3 am! Haven't seen creeps here.

Load More Replies...
chriskane avatar
Chris Kane
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important for girls to stand up for themselves and say "I'm sorry but I would like to sit alone" but perhaps more important to educate men that this behavior is not okay. You can't just approach strangers! If you want to meet women let it happen naturally, I'm sure there's plenty of places; clubs, classes, sports where you can meet a girl, become friends and let it go from there.

lyndsayn17 avatar
Winx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's important that men recognize what is an appropriate environment to approach women in. If it's not a social place like a club or party or something, chances are she wants to be left alone. Women don't go to libraries to get hit on.

Load More Replies...
csmith avatar
c smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This girl looks even younger than she is, and to adults over 30 she should appear much too young to be interested in. If this was like a 15 16 year old boy awkwardly trying to talk to her it would be a little different but the fact that this is a grown ass man approaching a young girl is creepy and super inappropriate.

conniebohone avatar
Beans
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly, what over 18 dude thinks he's so effing interesting that a teen girl wants to talk to him? Newsflash: you aren't and she doesn't

Load More Replies...
ambarsanchezcuello avatar
Ambar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's funny to me how MOST men(i put most in there because I know for a fact that my father, uncle, cousins, and stepfather do NOT treat females like toys) treat women like they fall out of the sky. and when they say no, they act as if they have never been told no before. clearly, those men who act like that were never taught manners as a kid

derpalert avatar
derp alert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah not most men at all, but the amount that do are not needed as well.

Load More Replies...
truebluecanadian2021 avatar
blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Started when I was around 11 and only stopped when I passed 40. First time I was 10 and my cousin 12. waiting in line for a ride at the fair. Two middle aged men behind us grabbed out asses/privates hard from behind. I spun around and they were laughing and shrugging their shoulders like it was nothing.I was 10 and his hand grabbed between my legs from behind. I felt so dirty and embarrassed and to this day still think about how nasty it made me feel. This was in the late 1970s. The comments, gestures, sexual innuendos never stopped.

kebba-dabo avatar
K2D2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a man myself and even I felt uncomfortable watching this. I don't know how the one approaching her couldn't notice (or decided to ignore altogether) her body language that he was making her uncomfortable throughout the entire process. And the same goes for the nasty comments that insist upon gas lightning her experience with the 'he was just being friendly'-nonsense. I hope that this experience will not make her shut herself in out of fear in her future interactions. She deserves better.

wallicktn avatar
Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guys like this know they're making girls/women uncomfortable, and they don't care. Why else would he have continued to invade her space when she was as clear as "I didn't say you could sit there", or back off when he knew she was live-streaming and that his bad behavior was being watched?

Load More Replies...
juli_june avatar
June
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How I used to deal with random creeps: immediately telling my age (lying about it, lowering it), talking about my friends / family who know exactly where I am (eventually lying about it too, but texting someone while I'm saying that), if still needed, saying it's inapropriate, I'm not interrested, and if still needed, going to another random stranger to ask for some help. It always worked for me.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We really need to change the dynamic of girls being expected to be "polite" in the sense that they shouldn't hurt someone's feelings. You can still be polite and say "Please go away and leave me alone. I'm not comfortable with you being here/doing that/talking to me." That should be standard practice for girls.

wallicktn avatar
Tracy Wallick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, the problem is that we aren't that direct because too many men react with violence; there are so many articles of women who are assaulted, raped and even killed for telling a man 'no', and the crazy ones don't wear a sign. Teach boys and men to stop being creepy and when to back off.

Load More Replies...
jenessnicole avatar
Jenness Drake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Immediately brought to mind serial killer vibes or rapist. I'm 50 and still get creeped on for no apparent reason. Females are not candy in a store for anyone to grab for. When you politely say no thank you to them they, more often than not, get mad and start cussing you.

pass_nad avatar
Nadine Debard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was so common when I was a teen that it's gut wrenching. Makes me mad about it. In fact, my very first thought was "welcome to the world, get accustomed to it" as if it was a normal thing. It's not. It's usual, but it's unacceptable. Creepy pervert.

dontlook avatar
Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, that was a power trip. She was completely caught off guard, he knew it and then he used her vulnerability as a weakness.

priyabuccheit avatar
Tara Ray
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor baby!!! You can tell how UNCOMFORTABLE and scared she is!

tamara-kroonen-1 avatar
Tamara Kroonen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her fear makes her eyes bigger so she looks like a deer facing headlights. Only psychopathic predators are getting aroused by this. A normal person would back off if he noticed someone is getting scared by him.

onemessylady avatar
Aunt Messy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's also OK to just get up and walk away. You don't have to say anything, just leave.

saragregory0508 avatar
N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not completely clear what set-up she had for her live streaming. This is nominally excellent advice, but I wouldn't want to just get up and abandon a potentially expensive laptop plugged in with peripherals etc. (especially not at 18, my mum would've gone spare!). Assuming she could just grab and go (and there were now power cables or whatever), yes, that might have been a better bet.

Load More Replies...
ificouldiwouldliveunderwater avatar
If I could I would live under water
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor girl. I remember one time when I was about 19y., I was on a train, standing because it was packed. This old man checks me out (I mean OLD, he looked about 80) and I felt awkward already and then he comes over and says, "man, I wish I was 20 years younger". I somehow smiled awkwardly, turned around and pure my earplugs in. But I thought to myself, 20 years?!? Make it 60, plus a different personality. To this day I think about that, like, did he think if he was (a little) younger, I'd be instantly interested?

mandydelaforcepcgirl avatar
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men like that sicken me. Tell them to f**k off. Don't smile or answer their questions. Look them straight in the eye and tell them to get as far away as possible. Stand up and make noise if they don't. They are cowards and will leave if they are noticeable. There is no excuse for this mans behaviour. He didn't leave until another male called out.

laura_m_watts avatar
Laura Watts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in this situation as a preteen was so scared I climbed a tree and stayed there until he left . As a mum of 3 girls I constantly worry about situations like this. I've told my girls that they don't have to put up with anyone making them uncomfortable and to say it loudly if others are nearby . This type of person is no different than a bully. I'm sorry this young girl went through thisand fir all the other girls who keep going through this. Me

mpryts avatar
Monica Pryts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never had this problem. I must be uglier than I thought.

marneederider40 avatar
Marnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't even have known what was happening at her age. I had a lot of older sisters and brothers and their friends and was used to talking to older people all the time. I would not have realized he was "chatting me up" and probably would have just said, "Sure, you can sit down," if I hadn't been busy. Parents need to teach their daughters to recognize this, but not be scared, especially if the daughters are autistic or particularly naive.

lauraellen50 avatar
Cake lady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Went to the movies by myself when I was around 13 or 14. The theater was fairly empty and a man came over and sat right next to me. Next thing I know his hand is on my knee. I got right up and left. Scared the heck out of me. This was back in the early sixties and it never occurred to me I should have talked to the management. I was just glad he did not follow me.

tommythebiker avatar
Thomas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That "deer in the headlights" look she had when the guy took the chair is heartbreaking. Poor girl :(

rivernorton avatar
Chillace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

off topic, but is it just me or does she look like ryan reynolds?

shaylsalazar avatar
Shayl Salazar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One time I was with my younger brother and sister we were going to buy Coca Cola and it was 6:30 pm and my parents agree because the store was pretty near our home and it was pretty early and a creepy old man was smiling at me (he didn’t have a mask)I was so uncomfortable, my heart was beating faster , I keep having thought what is he going to do me, so many thought going in my head and my younger brother and sister was looking at me weirdly so I grab their arm and run to our house . It was the most terrifying moment of my life and I’m only 14.

takpozehnani avatar
Cheri Aline Sydney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This comes across to me sooooooooo differently.... I think he was very courteous and was feeling chatty... She needed a little drama in her life and quickly made it out to be something it wasn't... If she didn't want him to sit there, she could have just said "I'd like to sit here alone."... which would hardlybhave been confrontational. I am shocked at how many readers see something so negative about the innocent conversation he was making.

spazmops19 avatar
Logic and Reason
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I was told I was on camera, I’d leave wherever I was. To me it sounded like he just was about to ask if she could sit at a different table because he wanted to be near the pool. Sure, he asked in a socially inept way, but that’s extremely thin grounds to label someone a predator.

mrssolconnor avatar
Sol Connor
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I’ve had guys come up and do that to me loads. He asked (in his way) if he could sit down, she said yes, he sat down, he was polite, friendly and just took a while to realise she was uncomfortable that’s all. For me I’d have either a got chatting cos some people are just the friendly talk to strangers type or asked him to leave cos I wanna be on my own. I get she was uncomfortable but I honestly don’t think he did anything wrong here. He was polite and then he left.

beejayw avatar
Ben Smith
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This just in: men no longer allowed to talk to women.

jessicamontgomery avatar
Gracie Jay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The men who either disregard a woman’s wants or needs or are socially inept enough to not be able to understand her comfort levels (even when she verbalizes them), then no, they should not be allowed to talk to women. I myself can handle it but there is no way in hell I’d want my nieces or daughter having to put up with this s**t just to live their life.

Load More Replies...
imatic86 avatar
ivan bolitekurac
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Bp,at this point you should make an article "we hate men,USA and children".Go ahead,just do it already

bobloblaw avatar
Bob Loblaw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's weird because I'm a man and I don't feel hated. But that's probably because I'm secure in my self and the fact that I'm not a creep towards women.

Load More Replies...
demi_zwaan avatar
Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I guess you need to live in a certain kind of country to perceive this as threatening. She's not alone, she's in a public space and nothing is happening. Yeah, he's a bit tone deaf by sitting down and staying when she said she didn't mean he could sit there, but come on, learn to communicate? People will always say and do things that you don't like. Not because they're creeps or have bad intentions, but because not everyone has the same frame of reference and just doesn't perceive it as bad. I've been in situations like this and I just asked the person to leave and they do. As he did.

ava-beganyi avatar
anthonycheserek35 avatar
Anthony
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

That girl is ugly though. I wonder what kind of a man hits her up!

merlinthecat1 avatar
Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda